Seven Cross Cultural Perspectives On Special Education

A radical departure from previous chronicles of education for people with disabilities, this book views special education from a broader perspective. Its central thesis is that cultural values and expectations play a dominant role in understanding the structure and function of special education. While theories of the social construction of disability have been written about in a growing body of research since the 1960s, no attempt has been made to create a cross-cultural framework. This work offers such a framework. Eight chapters, written by educators in each country's educational system cover the following nations: China, Great Britain, Hungary, Japan, Iran, Pakistan, United States, and Zimbabwe. Historical discussions in each chapter provide a context for current practice. An index and illustrations are also included.

Presents perspectives of special education services in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Pakistan and Taiwan.

This book provides a global and social examination of how disabilities are played out and experienced around the world. It presents auto-ethnographic perspectives on disability across cultures, societies, and countries by documenting individuals’ personal narratives, thought processes and reflections. Chapter authors share cross-cultural perspectives within and across various countries, such as India, Australia, United States, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Croatia, Brazil, South Africa, and Qatar. Adopting a self-reflective stance following qualitative research methodology, the chapter authors discuss the current challenges in the field. Next, they deconstruct disability identities, explore the complexities of communication with differently abled persons, examine inclusive policies, practices and interventions and present insights from caregivers. The book concludes with critical reflections and a look to the future of global diversity and inclusion.

Because of recent demographic changes in our society, general and special educators are challenged to look for innovative ways to maximize all students' potential in school programs. Multicultural Special Education: Culturally Responsive Teaching is a timely book that examines multiculturalism, disability, and education and focuses on how to make education better for all multicultural learners. Contributions from leading experts examine categories of exceptionalities (from multicultural perspectives), while integrated case studies and chapter material focus on ways to be an effective and culturally responsive educator. Divided into four parts, this new offering examines the foundations of multicultural special education; the categories of exceptionalities from multicultural perspectives; lifespan issues; and the future of the field.

This volume provides an international perspective on special education issues. There is limited literature examining issues in special education from an international perspective, as such this volume will add considerably to the knowledge base across the globe.

This book represents an original and innovative series of insights, ideas and questions concerning inclusive education and cross-cultural understandings. Drawing on historical and cultural material, policy developments, legislation and research findings, the book provides a critical exploration of key factors including inclusive education, human rights, change, diversity and special educational needs. The contributors focus closely on how these factors are defined and experienced within particular societies.

First published in 2000. This book looks at 'inclusive' education in the context of policy and practice in a number of different countries, particularly in relation to children and young people of school age. At the heart of the idea of inclusive education lie serious issues concerning 'human rights', 'equal opportunities' and 'social justice'. The papers in this book will, hopefully, contribute to stimulating further debate and dialogue over both the conceptualisation and understanding of a cross-cultural approach to inclusion and exclusion.