Inclusion and Art Education at Second Level

According to UNESCO (1994) the child with special educational needs is entitled to regular access, full education and curriculum adaptation. In Ireland, since the introduction of the Education Act (1998) and the EPSEN Act (2004) there has been a significant shift in government policy towards the creation of inclusive learning environments for a diverse society. This book addresses the significant challenges for both art teacher and art student with special educational needs in mainstream post-primary education. The approach to the research taken was qualitative in nature with certain aspects of quantitative study. From the analysis, three key recurring topics emerged which allowed the author to discuss the findings in thematic form. Visual art education and inclusive practice in mainstream post primary schools; sufficient access to art education for all: and the identity of the disabled student in relation to the curriculum. This book should be especially useful to teachers and student teachers of art craft and design. It should also be helpful to special educational needs assistants and to parents of children with disabilities.