BREAKING BARRIERS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA: COLLABORATION, ADVOCACY, AND INCLUSION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Abstract

This research explored how social media can be used to foster collaboration, advocacy, and inclusion in the field of special education. A quantitative approach was adopted to measure changes in perception after the intervention. 350 participants completed a well-structured questionnaire. The sample consisted of teachers, parents, and professionals in special education working in both public and private sectors. Results revealed that social media could be instrumental in enhancing stakeholder communication, disability rights advocacy, and inclusive educational practices. There was a strong association between advocacy and inclusion, with collaboration and social media use being less predictive. Also, the study revealed that males and females, younger and older people, those with different levels of education, and social media users to varying extents significantly differ on several variables. The authors see social media as a powerful tool for special education that can help transcend traditional barriers if used well and ethically. One of the suggestions is that special education departments communicate, advocate, and seek support through social media platforms