' ... and my dream came true' : the experience of two children who were transferred from special school to an inclusive setting

Abstract

This study investigated the benefits and liabilities of children with disabilities who have been transferred from Special Schools to Ordinary Schools. This research focused on the children's behaviour, progress and acceptance in school. The preparation that was needed to include such children was also investigated. Besides1 it also examined the way in which all the parties concerned were coping with the situation within the educational system. The research was conducted on two children with a disability namely Tara and Gabi who were being transferred into an 'inclusive setting'. Here the author spent a certain amount of hours of observation in each class environment. Interviews with previous set questions were also carried out with both headteachers, teachers, facilitator, parents and even with Tara and Gabi. In order to get information about the level of acceptance and nonacceptance by the classmates, Moreno's Sociometric Test was administered in each class. Thus the sociometric status for both Tara and Gabi was found. Originally, it was also intended to carry out a MAPs Session for both children but this was only held for Tara. To further complement the gathered information, the author also observed the children during community activities. The most important result of this study was that even though our Maltese Society is gradually becoming more aware of the need to include each child in the community, serious planning by all those persons concerned with the child's development is still required in order to create an effective learning environment.