Social inclusivity for children with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities

This study examines the development of a 1950s educational programme for the inclusion of children with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) – those with IQ scores of less than 50, referred to as “trainable” or “dependent” children – into community life. Conducted by the American Association of Parents of Retarded Children (AHRC) in New York City, the programme clarified the social life expectancies of children with severe IDD who had historically been segregated from society. The programme aimed to have these children be accepted within their communities and families, broaden their lives, and help their parents understand them appropriately. It affirmed the notion that children with severe IDD and their families could live in society with support. In other words, the goal was not just vocational independence but also the pursuance of a social life while receiving community services. The intended outcomes of the programme included personal independence, housework, good relations with others, physical movement, and literacy, among others. Although the programme was unique and thus different from traditional academic learning content, it was emphasised that the original goals of education for children with severe IDD and that of mainstream education are the same in the sense of realising democracy. The education and guidance necessary for them to grow to their fullest potential and integrate into community life could also lead to academic and vocational outcomes. The development of the school programme represented the beginning of what became known as social inclusion, thereby bringing diversity to social life and education

Community development · Developmental psychology · Diversity (politics · Economic growth · Inclusion (mineral · Independence (probability theory · Literacy · Mainstream · Pedagogy · Political science · Social change · Sociology · Vocational education · Disability Education and Employment · Diverse Education Studies and Reforms · Gender Studies · Psychology