ABSTRACT
Integration and inclusion have become keywords in almost all areas of society, and in particular in education, physical education and sport. The aim of this chapter is to describe and comment on historical and current developments of these areas with a special emphasis on adapted physical activity, a cross-disciplinary area of research and practice which is still relatively young. Although inclusion not only addresses issues related to persons with disabilities in various contexts, but also – in a broader sense – all individuals who are lacking equal access and participation, for example because of their gender, socio-economic, religious and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, ethnicity, the focus here is placed on developments and approaches towards including persons with disabilities into physical education and sport. It is obvious that this process of inclusion is ongoing. It is, however, also important to look back and identify the origins, obstacles and milestones in order to better understand the current situation of the “inclusion movement” and to develop and implement strategies for the future.
