Inclusion and education

FIGURE 2.1: 
Laws covering inclusion in education for multiple groups are relatively uncommon
Number of education systems with laws on (a) special education and (b) inclusion, by focus
Education systems
Laws referring to inclusion
Laws on inclusion with reference 
to special education needs/disability
Laws on integration
No
Has separate laws on special education
Refers in other laws to special education
Has laws on inclusion
Yes
No
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Source: 
Data collected for the regional report on inclusion and education in Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
35
C E N T R A L A N D E A S T E R N E U R O P E , C A U C A S U S A N D C E N T R A L A S I A

---

Definitions of key terms are further proof of ongoing 
debates. In the region, 27 education systems have a 
definition of special education needs in laws or other 
formal documents. Of those, 19 link this definition 
primarily with disability, and only 12 include a variety 
of other potentially disadvantaged learners. The latter 
tend to be primarily gifted learners, although learners 
experiencing social disadvantage are also mentioned.
As education systems strive to become more inclusive 
of all learners, they need to shift the terminology from 
needs to rights. In Armenia, terms such as ‘diagnosis’ 
are used in education settings instead of ‘assessment’.
In Azerbaijan, terms highlighting children’s education 
needs have replaced medical terms in laws on children’s 
rights, education and social protection of children with 
disabilities. Going a step further, Mongolia and Ukraine 
have signalled their intention to move from a needs-based 
medical model to a rights-based approach. 
To some extent this shift is reflected in formal definitions 
of inclusion in national documents: 20 of the 23 education 
systems with such a definition focus on multiple 
marginalized groups, going beyond learners with special 
education needs and/or disability. Lithuania, Poland and 
Uzbekistan are working to develop a definition that is likely 
to be included in national law, while Slovakia is working to 
revise its definition, taking a broader approach (
Figure 2.2
).