Inclusive education (IE) is globally recognized as instrumental in facilitating equity and quality education for all students. However, despite literature documenting positive outcomes associated with IE, IE definitions and strategies vary and are not well researched in countries such as Mexico that are in the early stages of adopting IE policies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how professionals working at schools that identified themselves as “inclusive” in Mexico City, Mexico defined IE and implemented IE. Findings indicated that participants defined or described IE in several ways, including physical and educational access, socialization, personal development, equality among students, and a paradigm that requires constant reflection. Participants also described numerous IE strategies related to school culture, high expectations, administrative support, professional development, collaboration, student evaluation, accommodations and modifications, paraprofessional support, and parent involvement. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
The rate of competitive employment, or employment in community settings for minimum wage or higher, of working-age individuals with disabilities trails behind individuals without disabilities in the United States. These statistics are even more alarming among Hispanic individuals who have disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore the negative and positive experiences of Hispanic caregivers from a Midwestern state as they support their family members with disabilities to achieve positive postschool outcomes, including competitive employment. We conducted semistructured interviews with 13 caregivers of family members with disabilities aged 14–25 years. Three key themes emerged from our analysis: (a) negative experiences with school educators, (b) negative experiences with community-based service providers, and (c) positive experiences and strategies for overcoming barriers. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
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