Skip to content

Special Interest Group

Inclusive Education

The Inclusive Education SIG provides a forum for critical discussion about all aspects of Inclusive education. Our concerns are with the substantive, methodological and ethical aspects of research into inclusive policy, practice, pedagogy, culture and environments. Our interests are international in scope and span formal and informal education, as well as the compulsory and pre- and post-compulsory sectors. A real strength of the SIG is the diversity of its membership, which comprises researchers, together with policy makers and practitioners, who are interested in promoting and using high quality research in this broad field of study. Many of our members have come to researching inclusive education from professional and /or personal backgrounds in special education or disability and our expertise is wide-ranging. We acknowledge the role that ableism plays in education and society at large,  and we encourage an intersectional lens to understand the challenges of implementing and supporting inclusive practice.  Wherever possible we work with other SIGS to address these issues and to explore possible solutions and ways forward.

SIG Aims:

  • support researchers in developing their theoretical and empirical understandings of the field of inclusive education
  • develop an active network of researchers together with policy-makers and practitioners whose work focuses on this field
  • encourage critical thinking on the development of inclusive learning environments
  • stimulate developments in inclusive research approaches
  • engage in debates around shifting national and global political agenda relating to the development of inclusive education, including those affecting the global majority
  • offer intersectional  and decolonial approaches that acknowledge the role societal and institutional discrimination can play whilst recognising expertise from those with lived experience

The Inclusive Education SIG must continue to be a relevant and useful voice in supporting inclusive practice and policy,  and we are keen to include a wide range of stakeholders in any future events. Please get in touch with any ideas. 

Twitter: @InclusiveEdBERA

SIG Convenors

Profile picture of Janet Hoskin
Janet Hoskin, Dr

Associate Professor at University of East London

Dr Janet Hoskin is Associate Professor of Education at the University of East London, teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Her research interests include exploring the lives and experiences of disabled children and young people,...

Profile picture of Louise Arnold
Louise Arnold, Miss

Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood and Special Education at University of East London

Louise Arnold is a senior lecturer in Early Childhood and Special Education at the University of East London where she teaches on the MA Special Educational Needs and across the undergraduate Early Childhood programmes. Her PhD involves parents,...

Profile picture of Karen Zecca
Karen Zecca, Mrs

Professional Doctorate of Education student at Cardiff Metropolitan University

Karen Zecca is a Professional Doctorate of Education student at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Focusing on enhancing disability and sport education, her research interests predominantly revolve around disability, sport and education, with a...

Content associated with this SIG

BERA Equality in Education Award 

Closes 26 Jun 2024

The BERA Equality in Education Award recognizes an individual whose work has sought to address wider issues of inequality and discrimination in education.  The nominee’s work will not only...

colour explosion

AwardOpen