This brief introduces the Global Research Agenda for Children with Disabilities that sets out critical challenges: widespread data gaps, research underfunding, and limited visibility of children with disabilities in research. It sets out not only what needs to be studied, but how--emphasising ethical, participatory approaches and cross-cutting…

Background: Inclusive research has sidelined discussion of theoretical issues with researchers with intellectual/learning disabilities. This is a situation which the Big Ideas initiative sought to change. Between 2021 and 2023, the Open University, Leipzig University and the University of Koblenz organised nine workshops to explore influential…

This paper discusses the model of 'walking the talk', when running design studios based on the 'live projects' model within a university setting for vulnerable communities. This model is examined through exploring emerging humanitarian and community-based design approaches in architectural education. It is tested through two case studies of design…

In 2014 a new policy for special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision was introduced in England. As it has been the case in countries where SEND reforms were introduced, these changes raised challenges and opportunities for the professionals supporting children with SEND. However, to date, little systematic and large-scale evidence…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of Taiwanese families regarding promoting foundations of self-determination for young children with disabilities. Twenty-one families of children with disabilities between 3 and 6 years of age in Taiwan were recruited for this study. Interviews were used to capture their perspectives.…

The current study examined Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers' understanding, attitudes and demographic influences regarding inclusion in ECE. Embedded within inclusive pedagogical philosophy, the present descriptive study draws on a sample of 21 ECE teachers purposively selected from ECE settings in Mashonaland West educational province of…

This article presents findings from a pioneer study addressing the first co-action between students with intellectual disabilities and an Academy of Music in Sweden. The aim of the article is to study and discuss subject positions that are constructed in rhythmic lessons related to a gathering where students with intellectual disabilities interact…

The intent of this study was to examine how a theoretically-designed subject in an undergraduate teacher education course impacted on the learning and confidence of pre-service teachers in catering for the needs of students with diverse needs. The subject design utilised theoretical principles of self-organisation that were incorporated with the…

Disabled children are among the most marginalised in our society. Their influence has been negligible on policies and service practices that directly affect their lives. Empirical research using innovative methodologies can at least enable their voices to be heard. Based on the contributions of leading researchers and practitioners to a seminar…

The purpose of this study was to introduce a project developed to promote interaction of teacher candidates from different areas with individuals with special needs within the scope of a Special Education course and examine the impact of this project on developing positive attitude and awareness on teacher candidates. In this study, a mixed…

Self-determination has received significant attention in the special education field, but scholars' knowledge of how culturally and linguistically diverse learners and their families perceive interventions to promote self-determination remains limited. Understanding how the construct is perceived in diverse cultures is critically important given…

Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities mandates that disabled people should have full rights to education in inclusive settings. However, to ensure that educational polices and settings are designed to meet this criterion seems challenging to African countries that have ratified this Convention. This…

Sensory integration (SI) therapy is a controversial intervention used in intervention for children with disabilities that is popular in the United States. Little is known about the use of SI therapy for children with disabilities in educational centres in developing nations such as Malaysia. Supervisors and teachers from seven educational…

Community workers are often described as unsung heroes who work for, with and alongside others in order to make qualitative differences to the communities they serve. This paper reports on the story of a community-based arts educator, Morgan Jai-Morincome, winner of the ACT Adult Learners Week Award for an outstanding program in 2007. This…

In this article the aim is to challenge essentialist ontological assumptions surrounding the impairment category of "learning difficulties" as it was previously conceptualized in social theory and practice. I ground my knowledge production in self-advocates connected to the self-advocacy movement in Flanders (Belgium) and in critical…