Inclusive education at higher education in law

Abstract

The enrollment of students with special educational needs (SEN) in higher education has been increasing and is a reality of the 21st century. This increase is visible in all areas of higher education, including the teaching of law. This new reality is a challenge and an imperative of human rights. However, the realization of this fundamental right makes it necessary to deepen the reflection on inclusive education. This article aims to discuss the challenges of inclusive education in higher education in general and mainly in the teaching of Law. We do a legal approach around the constitutional guarantee of inclusive education in Portugal, complemented by the analysis of the main problems and limitations of the necessary resources. Therefore, we look at the specific problems of inclusive education in the teaching of law, which require special attention from the public authorities involved and the educational institutions. As we see it, the most important problems to be solved are: defining the objectives to be achieved; eligibility of students with special educational needs; need for specific pedagogical training of higher education teachers for inclusive education and the implementation of educational support for these students. We conclude with the need to respond to the problems stated in order to get a truly inclusive teaching, in which all can participate in the definition of strategies for the overcoming of differences and difficulties.