The Lived Experience with Inclusive Education: A Case Study of a Teenager with Diabetes, His Mother, and His Teacher

Abstract

The project aimed to understand the lived experience with inclusive education in the case of a secondary school student with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1), his mother and a teacher. Data collected by semi-structured interviews were analyzed by van Manen's thematic analyses of lived experience, whereas three significant themes were identified. Firstly, the quality of communication between school and parents; secondly, the level of empathy, understanding and helpfulness, and thirdly, collaboration between colleagues. Research shows the necessity to expand the education of teachers on the issue of special needs of learners with chronic diseases and extend the educational goals to psychological factors associated with their increased emotional burden. Mutual collaboration of all participants and self-reflection of teachers, supporting good peer relationships and positive school climate is essential.

Keywords

• inclusive education
• disability
• special educational needs
• lived experience
• chronic disease
• diabetes
• risk factors
• hidden disability