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2. SOCIAL INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION People with intellectual, physical, sensory or other disabilities are one of the groups endangered by social exclusion. This danger becomes even more evident in situations, where these disabling conditions combine with other individual characteristics, as low social status (which can accompany or can be the result of disability), female gender, minority ethnic background, etc. Inclusion of people with disabilities is a desirable social goal, which is emphasized in many international and national documents (for example: the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, National Action Plan of Inclusive Education, National Action Plan of Social Inclusion, etc.) Social inclusion is perceived as a complex of practices, activities and mechanisms, which supports cultural and economic integration and reasonable participation of groups and individuals in majority society. Social inclusion is a process, which ensures that all who are endangered by the risk of poverty and social exclusion will get the opportunity and resources necessary for full participation in economic, social and cultural life of the society and the living standard considered normal. It is a process, which safeguards their share in decision making affecting their life and ability to exercise fundamental rights. According to the Lisbon proceedings of the Council of Europe in 2000, the best strategy for social inclusion is the development of conditions for economic growth and employment, growth of human capital (education level and qualification), improvement of health and living conditions of whole population and opening new ways of participation in a society. European policies agree in the emphasis on education as an important mean in the fight against social exclusion. The extent of education influences not only attitudes, but is seen as crucial for social inclusion, social cohesion and economic growth.
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