Inclusive Education Implementation and Leaders Role: Evidence from University Context

Abstract

This research paper examines the leaders’ role in implementing the inclusive education in university context. To perform this qualitative study, the researcher used descriptive research. The study's participants include ten heads of departments from public and private universities of Lahore. The researchers selected the participants using a convenient sampling approach. The researchers employed a semi-structured interview approach for this qualitative investigation. Thematic analysis was done to analyze the interview data. Data gathered through semi-structured interviews yielded four primary themes and several sub-themes, including the current state of inclusive education implementation, how leaders can improve inclusive education, factors that help university leaders in implementing the inclusive education, and the hurdles that leaders confront with to implement Inclusive education at university level. Data shows that university heads of departments actively promote inclusive education by enrolling students with special needs. They focus on leadership tactics and particular actions to promote inclusion. Additionally, they spoke about the resources as well as the sensitivity about inclusion that helps a lot in the successful integration of IE in their departments. However, problems such as insufficient resources, poor infrastructure, cultural hurdles, low knowledge, and insensitivity impede the successful implementation of inclusive education. Addressing these problems is critical to improve inclusive education in higher education settings.