 In 2000, world leaders agreed to cut poverty in the world in half by 2015 years. They have also agreed that all boys and girls need to go to school because education is one of the most effective ways that young people and adults can improve their lives.
But there is one group of kids who are often kept out of school, live out of sight in their own communities, and therefore are more likely to live in poverty than anyone else: children who are disabled. There are different kinds of disabilities: physical, sensory, emotional, hidden or visible disabilities. In developing countries, few disabled children, and even fewer disabled girls go to school, even if their disability has nothing to do with their ability to learn.
In many poor countries, schools are not built with disabled children in mind. The buildings may be difficult to get to or get around. Disabled children are often stigmatized and shunned by the community where they live. Parents often hide their disabled children. These children are often not allowed to play, or do things with their family and community.
Because many people think that children with disabilities cannot learn or develop skills, not much is expected from them. When they grow up, they often must depend on somebody else to care for them. Disabled women and children are among the poorest people in the world because they have not been taught the life-skills to support themselves that most people take for granted.
But there are many ways to educate children with disabilities and include them in school with other children.
In many cases, simple adjustments are needed, such as making sure that school buildings have ramps and wide doors so that children in wheelchairs or using crutches can enter the building. Teachers themselves can learn new ways to teach children with learning disabilities how to read, write, or count. Often these new skills help teachers do a better job with other students in the class.
When disabled children are allowed and encouraged to learn like everyone else, they can improve their own lives and the lives of people around them rather than being dependent on others.
What does it mean?
Disabled: When a person’s physical or mental condition keeps them from being able to function in an expected manner. Disability may result from illness, injury, or wounds.
Related Links
Children Beyond Borders
www.savethechildren.org
www.landminesurvivors.org
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