This report reviews the effectiveness of the social protection system for people with disability in Italy and summarises the results of a pilot carried out in four regions testing an alternative disability assessment.

This book provides an innovative and thought-provoking analysis of the policy of integrazione scolastica from an inclusive perspective. Drawing on historical and empirical research methods the book arises out of an ethnographic study, which investigates the extent to which the policy of integrazione scolastica can be considered an inclusive policy. The author poses two fundamental questions: why are there episodes of micro-exclusion and discrimination against disabled pupils still taking place in regular schools after more than 30 years have passed since the enactment of such a progressive policy? Can the policy of integration lead to the development of inclusion in Italy? The research findings presented in the book indicate that exclusion and discrimination towards disabled pupils in education do not result from a lack of implementation of the policy at a school level, rather from the perpetuation of dominant discourses, which construct disability as an individual deficit. The book does not deny the progress made in the country following the application of this anti-discriminatory policy; rather it challenges the hegemonic abilist culture and the traditional perspectives of disability and schooling that undermine the development of inclusive education. After having investigated the theoretical premises of the policy of integration, the author argues that this progressive policy is still rooted in a special needs education paradigm and that what was once a liberating policy has been transformed into a hegemonic tool which still manages, controls and normalizes disability leaving school settings and teaching and learning routines unchanged. She finally argues for a human rights approach for the development of an inclusive school for the 21st century. The book is an essential reading for academics, policy makers, researchers and students involved in education as it links ideological pressures to practical analyses.

One in seven working-age adults identifies as having a disability in OECD countries, a share that is also substantial and growing among young people (8% in 2019). Many of them are excluded from meaningful work and have low levels of income and social engagement.

School inclusion is a perennially popular yet polemic topic in most countries. This timely book explores what is known about inclusion, highlighting outstanding examples of inclusion to provide a complete overview of successful inclusion. The book concentrates on how to make inclusion work - from the view of internationally established practitioners in the field of teacher education - with a focus on what variables are likely to make a difference in practice. What Works in Inclusion? covers three key aspects: Theories of inclusive education Examples of how inclusion can be encouraged and facilitated What prevents inclusion from being successful Drawing on case studies from a wide range of countries, including USA, Australia, UK, Canada and Italy, there is focus on the positive aspects of inclusion: 'how' it can work and 'what actually works', helping you understand successful aspects of inclusion as well as developing an understanding of how inclusive education can best be implemented. In addition to the research-based accounts of how to make inclusion work, the book considers the difficulties that can arise in attempting to achieve successful inclusion and how such barriers can be overcome, to ensure a successful inclusive experience for both teachers and students. This is a key text for all serving and aspiring teachers and SENCOs, as well as those interested in inclusion and SEN in schools, and will inform and challenge in equal measure. Contributors: Adrian F Ashman, Robert Conway, Joanne Deppeler, Roberta Fadda, Laurel M. Garrick Duhaney, Fraser Lauchlan, Margo Mastropieri, Kim M. Michaud, Brahm Norwich, Petra Ponte, Diane Richler, Richard Rose, Spencer J. Salend, Tom Scruggs, Roger Slee, Jacqueline Thousand, Richard Villa, Catharine Whittaker "Focusing on both theory and practice, this timely volume provides a refreshing set of challenges to all of us who are committed to the development of more inclusive education systems. The presentation of ideas and experiences from different countries is particularly powerful in this respect." Professor Mel Ainscow, University of Manchester, UK "Boyle and Topping provide a collection of salient chapters on critical issues pertaining to inclusive education from a collection of world leaders in the field. This book is scholarly, current, and research-based, yet at the same time readable and informative for a wide audience of university teachers and their students, along with practicing educators in the field. Recognizing that inclusive education is an ongoing project this book nevertheless provides a rigorous gestalt of inclusive education theory, practical advice for implementation, and potential barriers to success. This is one of the finest books on this topic currently available." Professor Tim Loreman, Faculty of Education, Concordia University College of Alberta, Canada

Based on in-depth analysis of inclusive practice in eight countries, this book addresses the issues that arise when students with disabilities are educated in local schools.

There has recently been a societal push to better achieve equity for all, with many bringing to light the bias, racism, and discrimination that many factions face on a daily basis. Naturally, integrating diversity and social inclusion thoughts into the classroom is one of the best ways to start changing the mindset of society and promoting more inclusive practices in the next generations. Therefore, diversity and social inclusion have become common approaches in the planning and management of primary, secondary, and higher education schools in many international contexts. However, there are certainly challenges that must be overcome in developing these new practices and their implementation within teacher curriculum. Instilling Diversity and Social Inclusion Practices in Teacher Education and Curriculum Development provides an analysis of educational inclusion practices and identifies university students’ voices on diversity and social inclusion. It further assesses teacher performance in an international online training context and promotes a model of curriculum development on diversity and social inclusion. Covering topics such as culturally competent teachers, student academic achievement, and attitudes towards diversity, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for teacher educators, pre-service teachers, administrators and educators of both K-12 and higher education, social workers, researchers, and academicians.

Two years into the pandemic, economic activity has recovered faster than expected. However, the labour market recovery is still uneven across sectors and is threatened by the economic fallout from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has generated the fastest growing humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II, sending shockwaves throughout the world economy. The 2022 edition of the OECD Employment Outlook reviews the key labour market and social challenges for a more inclusive post-COVID‐19 recovery.

The Role of Assistive Technology in Fostering Inclusive Education uses evidence-based research to explore issues related to implementation of ICT-based Assistive Technology (ICT-AT) in education. It focuses on programmes and activities that aim at the empowerment of the learners with disabilities, as well as the empowerment of the entire educational ecosystem. The book provides a synthesis of political and theoretical discussions as well as practical experiences on the implementation of ICT-AT in education. Analysing international policy frameworks in relation to inclusive education and technology, it discusses examples of school self-assessment and action plan methodologies for digital inclusive education, as well as case studies of innovative ICT and AT solutions in educational environments. The authors elaborate on digital empowerment as a wider societal challenge through reflection on the barriers that people with disabilities meet in education and beyond. This book will be of great interest for academics, researchers, and postgraduate students in the fields of inclusive education and assistive technology, as well as those interested in education research and policy development.

This publication presents an overview of country initiatives concerning inclusive growth in 39 OECD member and partner countries.

The concept of assistive technology is moving away from adopting the most appropriate devices to overcome the limitations of users, to the designing and setting up of total environments in which people can live, supported by suitable services and additional support devices integrated within the environment. These two perspectives are deeply intertwined, both from technological and social points of view, and the relationship between them currently represent the primary challenge for the field of assistive technology. This publication covers the proceedings of the 10th European Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE), the organization which stimulates the advancement of assistive technology for the benefit of people with disabilities, including elderly people. This conference seeks to bridge the gap between these two complementary approaches, providing an opportunity to clarify differences and common points and to better define future direction. This publication is a significant contribution to the advancement of inclusion for people living with a disability everywhere.