Difficulties and obstacles in integrating students with disabilities in Jordanian schools

Abstract

Introduction. Integrating students with disabilities into schools may present challenges, but the benefits of doing so are significant. By promoting inclusion and equality, improving academic outcomes, developing social skills, enhancing teacher training, and meeting legal obligations, Jordan can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students. Study participants and methods. The study's goal was to find out the challenges and barriers that exist in the process of integrating students with disabilities into inclusive schools from the perspective of regular teachers who are currently employed in integration schools. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the requirements for successful inclusion of disabled students from the perspective of school principals who are currently employed in these schools. The descriptive-analytical approach, namely self-report research, was used because of its relevance to the study's objectives. It is based on studying the educational phenomenon and describing it as it is. A total of 152 classroom teachers and 47 school administrators from the same schools made up the study's sample. Results. According to the findings, instructors viewed integration barriers as moderate in the integrated schools with a mean of 3.12, and standard deviation of 0.48. One of the most significant challenges to integration is the need for written duties, while sufficient money comes in last with a mean of 2.27 and standard deviation of 1.10. From the perspective of the principles, successful integration entailed a number of advanced conditions. Funding, well-equipped schools, and easy accessibility were cited as the most important factors in successful integration. Practical significance. The practical significance of the study on integrating students with disabilities into schools is its potential to inform decision-making and policy development in order to create more inclusive and supportive educational environments. By identifying the challenges and barriers to integration, decisionmakers can work towards promoting inclusion and equality, improving academic outcomes, developing social skills, enhancing teacher training, and meeting legal obligations. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing funding, well-equipped schools, easy accessibility, and providing support for teachers in order to create successful integration programs.