Families at the heart of inclusive education

Abstract

The paper analyses the role that families must play in transforming education systems and settings to be more inclusive. Therefore, based on the meaning of inclusive education, and considering this to be a right for all students without exclusions, the reason why families should be part of this process can be justified, as well as the benefits derived from their real participation in schools. Similarly, based on the experiences of centres that share the values of inclusive education, the place families have occupied is shown. Finally, we will reflect about what type of participation by families is necessary to promote in order to reduce the gap between the stated values with respect to inclusion and the action that are carried out, as well as the opportunities and spaces that are offered to families in schools.