Education

The tool “Supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities” highlights the importance of four principles: “equity and inclusion”, “respect for diversity”, “engagement and participation” and “welcoming and enabling environment”. It highlights the shift the concept of “disability” has undergone from blaming the problem on the child (medical model) to a more relational understanding (bio-psycho-social model) in line with the human rights-based approach.
This paradigm shift is crucial for fostering educational practices that are truly inclusive, ensuring that all students, especially those with disabilities, can participate fully and equally in educational opportunities. The tool provides practical strategies and a comprehensive guide for schools to create inclusive environments that prevent discrimination and exclusion, focusing on awareness, accessibility and support at classroom, school and community levels. It includes a step-to-step guide for schools and teachers to support and include students with special educational needs and disabilities, covering preparation, identification of needs, adaptation and modifications necessary for inclusive education. It supports a transformative approach to education that respects and accommodates diversity, particularly disability, ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to participate fully in education.