In Romania, parents of children with and without disabilities are in favor of inclusive education

Abstract The current study evaluates parental attitudes regarding inclusive education of children with disabilities, at a crucial point in children's life - the transition from kindergarten to school (i.e. the preparatory year). This is the first study of this kind to be carried out in Romania. Of parents participating in our study, parents of children with disabilities, were more in favor of inclusive education and have a deeper understanding and wider knowledge of terminology and specific legislation. Half of the parents of children without disabilities were reluctant to have children with disabilities in the same class at their own child. We hope our study will inspire and encourage changes in legislation, (e.g. the introduction of parent-school contracts through which parents become partners in the educative process), teacher training (e.g. improving the training of support teachers; ensuring all teachers posses basic knowledge about disability and special educational methods), and special education practices (e.g. earlier involvement of support teacher in the education of children with disabilities). We believe the starting point to these changes to be a better information of all those involved in supporting and caretaking for children with disabilities as well as of the population at large.