Children with Disabilities: Possibilities and Challenges for Expanding Inclusive Education to Sub Saharan Africa

Abstract

The objective of my talk today is to focus on the human right to inclusive education as part of what works for Africa´s poorest children. Having a disability is a significant driver of chronic poverty, social exclusion and other forms of marginalization, and particularly in Sub Saharan Africa, where weak institutions, limited resources and already high levels of poverty intensify the consequences. Prejudices, lack of understanding, access to adequate services and government intervention create a vicious cycle for disabled children and people generally towards meaningful social and economic integration and productivity. The expansion of inclusive education presents an opportunity to develop a cost effective and impactful approach towards ensuring that children with disabilities have their human right to education fulfilled. General Comment 4 of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities provides a roadmap for the expansion of inclusive education policies and programs by laying out the roles and responsibilities of the duty bearing state.