In order to provide equal conditions regarding the quality of education in all educational institutions of the same level, relevant education authorities in BiH, in cooperation with educational institutions in BiH, have ensured in the past period equal access to all children, an approach in compliance with human rights and fundamental freedoms, i.e. equal rights and equal opportunities in education without discrimination on any grounds.

The reform of Bosnia and Herzegovina's education system began with the promotion of inclusive education in 2002, and its implementation in 2004 with the adoption of the Framework Law on Primary and Secondary Education, which stipulates that young people and children with special educational needs acquire education in regular schools according to customized programs in accordance with their individual needs. needs. In addition to education, the goal of inclusive education is individualization and socialization.

The term children with special needs, although widespread in practice, is not legally defined and most often includes students with developmental difficulties, hearing and visual impairments, speech difficulties, physical impairments, learning difficulties, behavioral disorders and chronic diseases. It is much less often used for gifted students, members of national minorities, returnees and refugees.

According to the data of the BiH Statistics Agency for 2021-2022. year in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are 183 elementary schools for children with developmental disabilities (82 non-combined and 101 combined), attended by 918 students. Schools for children with disabilities at the high school level of education operate through 80 classes attended by 268 students.