The research purpose is to analyze the formation and development of special education in Russia, as well as to summarize the current issues for specialists working with children with various health limitations. We analyze psychological and pedagogical literature and present the main stages of special education development in Russia and abroad. The presented works of scientists have had the most significant impact on the process of creating a special education system both around the world and in individual countries, including the Russian Federation. We consider current state and basic principles of inclusive education: main purpose and elements for successful work with children with disabilities. The research presents the current state of special education in Russia and the most important milestones in its history. The historical method and the analysis of scientific literature allow to identify works that have largely determined the directions of current research in various branches of special education (deaf pedagogy, blindness and education, special education, speech therapy). Approaches to solving the problems of supporting effective individual educational routes for children with disabilities are considered.