Accessibility Uncovered ♿: Inclusive Schools - CCSN

[ChinonsoOnukwugha]

As part of our advocacy, #OneAccessibility, we will share information about differently able and profile one location with accessible trails. Look out every week for this enlightening post.

Hello everyone! I am absolutely looking forward to these next series of Accessibility Uncovered as it addresses two of my favourite topics – accessibility and education!

According to UNICEF, inclusive education means all children in the same classrooms, in the same schools. It means real learning opportunities for groups who have traditionally been excluded – not only children with disabilities, but speakers of minority languages too.

What does an inclusive school look like?

   ---   Accessible features and equipment for various disability types.

   ---   Clearly stated learner objectives, activities, and rules.

   ---   Variety of instructional materials, techniques, and technologies being used.

   ---   Specialised services by staff to meet the learner’s needs.

   ---   Supportive and positive environment for learning and behavioural growth.

While Nigeria is gradually making stride in terms of accessibility on a global standard, I believe there is a growing adaptation of inclusivity in education management. Back in 2004, the National Policy on Education in Nigeria stated that “Special Education is created as a formal special educational training given to people (children and adults) with special needs” (Federal Government of Nigeria, 2004: p. 47). Although this differs from the UNESCO practices where inclusive education is seen as a reform that supports and welcomes diversity amongst all learner, there have been more foundations and institutions founded that align with the international practices since then.

One of the institutions that are noteworthy on this topic is the Centre for Children with Special Needs (CCSN) located in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. CCSN is a non-governmental organization that promotes inclusion and quality education while having a school-environment set up supporting children with special needs.

I particularly like CCSN, because they cater to each learner individually through their IEP (individual education plan) and focus on four key areas: education, physical therapy, social skills, and independent living.

Do you know of any inclusive schools in Nigeria or other countries in Africa? Share below!

If you have a question, suggestion, or contribution, feel free to comment below. You can read last week's roundup article here and check the list of our other articles under "Accessibility Uncovered".

[Aqidatul]

Saya ingin mempelajari semua ini dan  sangat ingin menngembangkan fi desa saya kebetulan di depan rumah saya adalah smp dengan jumlah murid 400 lebih.tapi saya hanyalah  seorang domestik helper di luar negeri apakah bisa mempelajarinya dimana saya belajar saya hanyalah lulusan sd.

[Globe_trotter_Ish]

Amazing post @ChinonsoOnukwugha ! Loved the details about this CCSN and how they incorporate inclusive education to all the kids ! We as accessibility advocates feel really happy to read about such schools ! Thanks for sharing !

[RosyKohli]

@ChinonsoOnukwugha 

Thanks for this post, was happy to read your post here in India Mumbai education for all even if disabled child can sit in class he/ she can study with normal child, we have to treat them equal, whether he slow learner then counsellor give us tip how to improve there learning skill... We could do it if we follow what counsellor ( Therapist) .. My class a child could speak properly when I gave him chance in class to say poem & whole class repeated after him,certain words he used say wrong,i used to correct him tell u can say.he had would say as I taught him..

you are part of organization great. 

[ChinonsoOnukwugha]

@Aqidatul  I'm happy to hear about your ambitions and I hope you can do that. Even if you can spread awareness and understanding to a hand full of people, that's great. With accessibility, you just have enthusiasm to have a more inclusive world - that's a great start. We also have a #OneAccessibility initiative where we touch on various topics regarding accessibility through our weekly articles.

@Globe_trotter_Ish Thank you much! Agreed as well.

@RosyKohli  Thank you and thank you for sharing initiative in Mumbai. That's fantastic and I'm happy you encourage him to speak up with other learners.