ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the broad area of diversity and inclusion and explores the concept of special educational needs as an aspect of diversity. It investigates the challenges special educational needs (SEN) policy poses to cultural and religious identity and traces special educational needs to faith-based schools in terms of policy, practice and parental involvement. The chapter aims to distinguishe between language difference and SEN and explores the issue of SEN within a human rights context. Society is rapidly changing and becoming increasingly diverse. Societal aspects that affect education – namely the cultural, ethnic and religious profile of the population, patterns of family organization, human rights and social/moral responsibilities – all change and continue to evolve. The emphasis on involving parents of children with SEN is expected to have particular implications for faith-based schools. Faith-based schools have a significant history as a part of the state education system, and they play an important role in contributing to its diversity.
