The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that education is a fundamental human right and should be available for everyone. Article 26 of the Declaration elaborates on the point by affirming the need for free education and compulsory elementary schooling. Further, professional and technical training, as well as higher education, should be generally accessible based on a person’s merit. The goal of education should be full development and realization of human potential.
The United Nations condemns discrimination and asserts that education should promote “understanding, tolerance, and friendship (The United Nations, n.d.).” This critical human rights document informs inclusive education around the world. It applies to the schooling of the Student who has fragile X syndrome, the most common condition that causes inherited intellectual disability. The Student is eligible for special education services because his needs differ from those of children without the syndrome.
Australia, which ranks second globally in the Education Index published within the 2018 UN’s Human Development Index, fosters inclusive schooling. The inclusive education policy statement issued by the Australian government contains the following explanation of the selected approach: “Students experience inclusive education when they can access and fully participate in learning, alongside their similar-aged peers, supported by reasonable adjustments and teaching strategies tailored to meet their individual needs.” This citation implies that students with special needs are neither integrated with no regard to their challenges nor segregated: they are included though with extra support.
Another vital fragment goes as follows: “Inclusive education encompasses all aspects of school life and is supported by culture, policies, programs, and practices.” It is a valuable remark as it suggests that inclusive schooling is not a sheer formality. Instead, it is a part of the broader inclusive, non-discriminatory paradigm that is dominant in Australian society. Students with special needs are taken into account when decision-makers introduce policies and development programs.