Portugal and Inclusive Education: A Historical Contribution

Portugal is a country with a long history and a rich culture. It is considered one of the safest countries on the planet, according to the Global Peace Index. It has an educational and training structure based on principles that establish freedom to learn and teach, democracy, equal opportunities, quality, diversity and excellence for all children, without exclusion. But this was not always the case. This work aims to provide a historical educational-social analysis, considering the period from the implementation of the Estado Novo regime, through the Carnation Revolution, to the present day, of the situations experienced by children with Educational Needs and their families throughout history in the processes of school inclusion. To answer this question, we conducted a systematic literature review, using the keywords ‘Portugal’, ‘History’, ‘Education’ and ‘Inclusive Education’, considering the works published between 2000 and 2024 in the B-on and Google Scholar search engines. All the information compiled from these papers related to the research theme was organised and studied using content analysis supported by webQDA software. As a contribution, we can mention that Portugal has legitimised various models of health action - Biomedical, Social and Biopsychosocial Models - which have been fundamental to the development of specific socio-educational practices of Exclusion, Segregation and Integration. These socio-educational models and practices produced political and administrative changes that significantly affected the way we think about society and, subsequently, the way we look at students in need. Practices that ended with the implementation of Decree-Laws 54/2018 and 55/2018, of 6 July, which promote the inclusion of all children, without exclusion, in the education system. Finally, we believe that much remains to be done. However, the current Portuguese legislation is helping to transform Portugal into a more modern, democratic and inclusive country, so that no child is left behind.