Social work values : their influence in the inclusion of pupils with disability in school

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine the influence of social work values in the inclusion of disabled students within a primary governmental school situated in the southern part of Malta. The inclusion of disabled students was viewed both from an academic and a social perspective; however, particular attention was given to the latter one, that is, the social inclusion of disabled students within the school. The sample was chosen non-randomly from amongst the disabled children that were currently attending the school. Five participants, whose ages ranged between six and nine, were observed as they interacted with their classmates, teachers and facilitators. The data was gathered through the application of different data collection methods including; semi-structured interview, questionnaires, observations and ecological maps. The data was analysed in the light of the relevant literature. The data analysis, primarily, implied the existence of social work values within the school environment; mainly equality, individualization, self-determination and empowerment, acceptance and adopting a non-judgemental attitude. The presence of these values resulted into positive outcomes for the inclusion of disabled pupils. These included respect as individual beings, opportunity to make choices, egalitarian treatment and positive discrimination when deemed appropriate. Even though, it was observed a general good relationship between disabled children and their non disabled classmates, the inclusion of disabled students can still ameliorate. Disabled students were not always accepted and this resulted into misleading assumptions about the disabled children's needs, underestimation of their capabilities and in the worst instances isolation of the disabled student from the rest of the class. It is worth noting that the study was carried out within one particular school, therefore, its findings cannot be generalized to all inclusive schools.