ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the following key issues pertinent to the debate about the integration of children with severe learning difficulties (SLD). The issues are how might children with SLD experience integration; definitions of integration and inclusion; the arguments for and against the integration of children with SLD; research on integration; future provision for children with SLD. The types of integration which have attracted the most publicity are full neighbourhood integration into a mainstream class and the unit model. The chapter discusses three contrasting options for the long-term future of educational provision for children with SLD. These options are: neighbourhood integration, special schools with outreach, and special units in mainstream schools. Virtually all special schools for children with SLD have developed contacts with local mainstream schools which enable many of their children to experience opportunities to interact with their mainstream peers.
