Inclusive Education Initiative in Two Azerbaijani Schools

• In Event: AERA Graduate Student Research-in-Progress Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Education in International Context: School Branding, Data Governance, Inclusion, and Higher Education Access and Transitions (Table 14)

Abstract

Ableism ideology, rooted in societal discrimination, negatively impacts disabled children's education, while international standards like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act safeguard their rights. This qualitative study investigates the implementation of inclusive education in two Azerbaijani public schools, initiated in 2004 as part of a nationwide strategy. Conducted through semi-structured interviews wi`th school principals, teachers, and parents, the research explores the change process. The study highlights challenges in inclusive education, such as limited resources, parental resistance, and a ableist perspective. It emphasizes the dependence of inclusive schools on government decisions and offers valuable insights for policymakers and educators, especially in former communist countries.

Author

• Lalakhanim Orujova, University of South Florida