DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATION/INCLUSION

The legislation of Special Education clearly implicates the integration of all pupils with Special Educational Needs into mainstream schools. This is materialised by a number of measures and directives. The establishment of local Diagnostic Assessment and Support Centres, the provision of IEP, the establishment of integration classrooms and peripatetic services are part of the mainstream policy.

According to the recent legislation (L.2817/2000), special education is provided from 4 to 22 years old, mainly in mainstream schools. The first choice of placement for pupils with special educational needs, according to L.2817/2000 is the regular classes with a support of a peripatetic teacher from the Diagnostic Assessment and Support Centres. Pupils can also be placed in integration classes, but they receive most of their education in the mainstream class.
The whole process of the integration of a student with SEN is a result of collaboration between Diagnostic Assessment and Support Centres, mainstream school and family. The components of this process consist of the students' IEP, the appropriate services, counselling and means that help and supports successful integration of the student.

Integration and inclusive education of people with SEN is completed through vocational training programmes, which are drawn up according to pupils' abilities and needs and aim towards their vocational rehabilitation.