Page 29 - Digital handbook - English

02 Legal frameworks and policy background of inclusive

education

Recognition of inclusion as a key catalyst for educational transformation and a primary
objective on the global political stage is growing. The UN Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) recognizes the right to inclusive education for all persons
with disabilities.
The political agendas of many countries promote reforms aimed at developing more
inclusive education systems (OECD 2015 in Azorin & Ainscow 2018). In this respect, the

Education 2030 initiative represents an important step forward, where the priority is
clear: to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all (UNESCO 2015a in Azorin & Ainscow 2018).
Inclusive education has also been underpinned by various other legal frameworks and

policies across the European Union. These frameworks provide the basis for
implementing inclusive practices in educational settings.
The European Commission has launched several initiatives to promote inclusive education
environments that embrace diversity and help students feel valued, respected, and

included. The importance of inclusion, diversity and well-being in one’s learning
environment is one of the main pillars of the European Education Area, which the
Commission presented in 2020 (Euridyce 2023).
Modifying learning environments, methods, and assessments to accommodate the

individual needs of students involves a shift towards a more flexible and responsive
educational model. This means creating adaptive learning materials that can be
customized for different learning styles and abilities, such as digital textbooks that can
be adjusted for font size or read aloud. Teachers should employ a variety of teaching

methods to cater to a broad range of learning preferences, including visual, auditory,
kinaesthetic, and tactile learning styles. Furthermore, assessments should be designed to
fairly evaluate the abilities of all students, which might include alternative formats like
oral presentations, projects, or portfolios, in addition to traditional written exams. This

tailored approach ensures that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their
understanding and skills in a manner that reflects their individual strengths (European
Comission 2023a).

In December 2017, the European Council, European Parliament, and the Commission
supported the establishment of the European Pillar of Social Rights. This accord
emphasizes the significance of social, educational, and cultural aspects of EU policies in
shaping a unified European destiny.

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