Social justice for children and young people with disabilities

The role of education in promoting social justice theories and principles has grown exponentially in the United States since the middle of the 1980s. Many groups of people, including those with disabilities, have fought for social justice and have gained greater access to societal rights, including educational opportunities within schools and universities. This chapter presents social justice and rule-of-law considerations for children and young people with disabilities. Consensus statements and federal mandates that guide the educational system within the United States are described from an educational perspective and the cultural context of law as it relates to the educational rights of children and young people with disabilities. Issues such as young people with disabilities being bullied, socially excluded by their peers, and denied educational access are described. Implications for practice in relation to known issues are discussed.