Transition from Segregation to Inclusion

Segregation is the process by which children with special needs or disabled children are identified as a seperate group and are educated in special schools in the company of other disabled children of the same category being alienated from the parents, siblings, non-disabled peers and their own community.

Gradually, the social and physical distance between this segregated group and the normal children increases. 

Inclusion is the process of bringing the parts (the handicapped children) to the whole (the society). The process begins by physical proximity. It continues with mutual sharing of the physical facilities and progresses towards reduction of social distance. 

The reduction of the physical and social distance results in social integration in which the groups become equal partners in the community. 

Many educationists nullify the idea of segregated education on the ground that it doesnot equalize educational opportunities rather it creates a feeling of differentiation among the children. Special classes create a feeling of inferiority complex among disabled children. 

Educationists justify the inclusive type of education with the following points -