o Special classes were created o In these classes there were only special students

o The positive aspect was that special students were stimulated and improved their performances. o The negative aspect was that when school finished for them, the special students had less opportunities in their life.

 In 1977 with the Italian law n. 517 the special students had to be in classes with all the other students. In fact, through the Law 517/77, it was possible to abolish the special classes for disadvantaged pupils. It had been allowed to all students with disabilities access to elementary schools and junior high schools.

 In addition, an attempt was made to activate the necessary tools to fulfill this obligation: specialized support teachers, numbers of pupils per class of no more than twenty, specialist interventions of the state and local authorities.

 Thirty years after this law was passed its indications were essential for implementing quality inclusive education  They must attend school from the age of 6 to 14.

 The positive aspect was that they could socialize with all the other students.  The negative aspect was that there was a need for teachers with specific qualifications.

 In 1992 law n. 104 reforms all aspects of people with disabilities not only at school.  In schools we saw great changes.  There were special needs teachers, special workshops, special equipment such as individual and special study programmes.

 The number of special students has increased from 4 to 19 in 12 years.  They are all in different classes and some have mental or physical disabilities, a couple have Down’s syndrome.  Integration into the school system is not just for school culture,but also to have a better life.