The 1990 Jomtien World Conference on Education for All issued a declaration and framework for societies to take action to meet the basic educational needs of all peoples, stating that education is a fundamental right for all, regardless of their socioeconomic, physiological, and psychological conditions. It specified the need of nations to provide equal access to education and to give special attention to the educational needs of people with disabilities.

University of Notre Dame

Developing countries first encountered educational efforts toward people with disabilities with the help of missionaries. Since then, local governments and communities have given more attention to the learning needs of people with disabilities. However, the topic of the acceptable approach to such education has been debated. Two predominating approaches have popped up: the special school approach and integration, with the latter being the most adopted. 

Background of Inclusive Education Across the World

Abosi, O., & Koay, T. L. (2008). Attaining Development Goals of Children with Disabilities: Implications for Inclusive Education. International Journal of Special Education, 23(3), 1–10. 

Attaining Developmental Goals of Children with Disabilities: Implications for Inclusive Education

Before the inclusive system, the concept of integration and mainstreaming was prevalent. Mainstreaming or integration into the regular classroom setting and the social school environment depended on the needs of the student with disabilities and the severity of their condition. The practice of such ranged from total integration to the use of special resources and activities, as the positive responses varied from student to student.

Concept of Integration/Mainstreaming

1990 World Declaration on Education for All 

The conference reaffirmed the World Declaration on Education for All, further emphasizing the societal obligation to provide for the learning needs of all people with disabilities in the context of the regular school environment. The Salamanca Statement called for schools to adopt inclusion and allow all children to learn together despite any differences they may have.

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