School Intervention for Inclusion of Students With and Without Disabilities

A common understanding shared by parents and educators of students with disabilities is the students' tremendous need in the area of socialization. Having and maintaining friendships is an integral part of children's development. Often, students are ill prepared for the inclusion of schoolmates with and without disabilities. Consequently, a comprehensive school intervention model designed for the effective inclusion of all students should be planned. The purpose of this article is to share successful practices for the socialization of students with and without disabilities in the general education classroom. A model of inclusion conducive to establishing positive interactions and communication among students with and without disabilities is presented. Intervention strategies involving the relationship between two elementary school students and their schoolmates are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the intervention.