Barriers to inclusion: insights of special and general educators from the US and St. Lucia

Abstract

Globally, inclusion has been touted as best practice for working with students with disabilities. Despite the universal acceptance of inclusion, educators have identified several challenges in using inclusive practices. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of general and special educators from the United States and St. Lucia on barriers to inclusion. Using qualitative research methodology, 32 teachers were interviewed. Data were analyzed inductively and special and general educators’ perception of barriers emerged under six themes: inadequate resources and time, environmental and professional barriers, lack of administrative support, negative attitudes of stakeholders, differing interpretation on inclusion, and unsuitable curriculum and assessment. Analysis was also guided by Lewin’s (1947) theory of planned change. Results indicated that teachers across regions identified similar obstacles to inclusion with time and limited resources being the predominant problem. The main difference was that environmental and professional barriers were identified by more teachers from the US, while lack of administrative support was predominantly identified by teachers from St. Lucia. In analyzing the responses from both general and special educators, the researcher found that there were no major differences based on participants’ role. Recommendations and implications for practice are discussed.