Considering the Welfare of All Students: Balancing Legal and Ethical Rights of Students with and without Disabilities.

Abstract

Abstract There appears to be a popular perception among educators that students with disabilities have the legal right to be placed in regular education classrooms regardless of the severity of the disability or the negative impact this placement may have on the other students in the classroom. This article will examine legal and ethical issues surrounding this full inclusion concept, with particular emphasis on the rights of nondisabled students. It will be argued that it is ethically and legally appropriate for schools to consider the impact on nondisabled classmates when considering placements for Students with disabilities.