Inclusion means that to the maximum extent possible, students with disabilities receive their special education services in the general education classroom with appropriate in-class supports. Included students attend their neighborhood schools with their same age and grade peers.

Source:  Winners All: A Call for Inclusive Schools, National Association of State Boards of Education, 1992

“Inclusion is a collaborative process among students, parents, and educators which enables students with and without disabilities to learn together in the same class to the greatest extent possible utilizing appropriate support services.”

Source:  Quality Designs of Instruction, Stetson and Associates, 2000

When defining inclusion, the term full inclusion is often used. Full inclusion refers to the placement of all students with disabilities in the general education classroom for 100% of the school day.  A more moderate definition is often recognized, which defines inclusion as the placement of   students with disabilities in the general education classroom to the maximum extent possible, while providing specialized services outside of the general education classroom as appropriate.