INEE Good Practice Guide: Inclusive Education of Children At Risk – Persons with Disabilities

War, crisis and disruption of communities can significantly increase the number of adults and children with disabilities. Gunshot wounds, landmines, violent acts of chopping off limbs are just some of the factors which lead to disabilities. Inadequate health care during times of extended conflict may result in the loss of sight or hearing. People with disabilities have the same right to educational services as other people. Often people with disabilities are perceived to be a burden by their parents, teachers and other members of their communities, who do not think they are capable of being educated or contributing to society. Educational programs for persons with disabilities must not only focus on formal education, literacy and numeracy but also on daily life skills such as mobility, communication, and sometimes even simple skills like cooking, dressing and eating. While requiring some additional resources and expertise, addressing disability issues is not as expensive or as unsustainable as it is commonly perceived. Building the capacity of parents, teachers and communities to work effectively with people with disabilities has been shown to improve the skills of the society as a whole.