Satisfaction Level of Parents of Children without Disabilities on the Idea of Inclusion

Abstract

As a result of inclusion becoming more prevalent, it is crucial to know parents' perspectives toward inclusion. Therefore, the research question is: How satisfied are parents of children without disabilities on the idea of inclusion? In order to answer this question, the researcher developed an inclusion questionnaire, and sent it to all parents in a fourth and fifth grade class in upstate New York. Being a special educator, it is crucial to know how parents feel about inclusion. It is also important for parents to know the benefits and possible drawbacks of having their child in an. inclusive setting. The data that the researcher obtained from this inclusion questionnaire revealed what parents know about inclusion and how they feel about inclusion. The results show that parents of children without disabilities do not believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for their child in an inclusive setting. These findings lay the foundation for future research to be conducted on parents' attitudes towards inclusion.