CSF qualitative study found that of all the disabled children interviewed only, 39% of all children with impairments were attending school, compared with 84% of children without impairments. The majority of the children stated that a lack of acceptance by the school of disability, or refusal by parents to allow them to attend as the cause for non attendance of school.
In response to this study, we developed a program to promote inclusive education in primary and secondary schools. Our inclusive education program is designed for school aged children who are able to participate in inclusive schooling. The program objective is to identify appropriate schools and teachers for training and provide teachers with specialized training in educating children with impairments. A community based rehabilitation worker acts as an itinerant to support teachers once the child begins school, assisting a child by developing class teaching materials and supporting teachers. Children assessed as unsuitable for inclusive schooling are referred to special schools or vocational training where appropriate.
We believe that Inclusive Education can provide disabled children with the chance to live successfully and independently, furnishing these children with the necessary means to gain employment and become an active member of society.
Over 300 children have benefited from our program receiving admission to school after their teacher participated in our inclusive education training program.