American Speech Language Hearing Association 

What is ASHA's position concerning "inclusion" programming for school-based
services?

     ASHA has recently adopted the term "inclusive practices" to
     describe ASHA's position regarding the provision of inclusive
     services in educational settings. The inclusive-practices
     philosophy emphasizes serving children and youths in the least
     restrictive environment that meets their needs optimally. In a
     position statement passed by the ASHA legislative council in
     December, 1995, ASHA states that inclusive practices consist of a
     range of service-delivery options that need not be mutually
     exclusive. The position statement entitled, "Inclusive Practices
     for Children and Youths With Communication Disorders" recommends
     that an array of service delivery models be used to implement
     services to children and youths with communication disorders. The
     position statement also points out that current available research
     on inclusive practices suggests guarded optimism for its
     effectiveness. Additional research is needed to assess the full
     impact of inclusive practices for students with communication
     disorders. Further information: To receive a copy of ASHA's
     position statements related to service delivery models, contact
     Denise Kraus in the ASHA Speech-Language Pathology Practices
     Services Cluster. (Ext. 4235 or Email: dkraus@asha.org ). Further
     questions? Susan Karr (Ext. 4308 or Email: skarr@asha.org ).