Inclusive Education

An estimated 65 million primary and lower secondary school-aged children in developing countries have disabilities, half of whom are out of school. If their fundamental right to education is not met, this limits their ability to fully participate in the social, political and economic life of their communities.

At CBM, we believe that education is key to breaking the cycle of disability and poverty. We promote systemic change through curriculum development, awareness raising, advocacy and teacher training so that persons with disabilities around the world have access to quality education.

We also work with civil society and governments to make mainstream schools accessible and support special schools and centres to develop into inclusive education resource centres.

Inclusive education is part of CBM’s Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) initiative. CBID is a way of working that ensures persons with disabilities are respected in their communities on an equal basis, in all areas of life.

A boy playing with colourful legos in class and speaking to another person.

Our approach

CBM’s inclusive education projects are delivered with partners and tailored to the needs of local communities. This is closely intertwined with other aspects of our work to ensure a multisectoral approach that builds inclusive, resilient communities.

This can include:

Ensuring children with disabilities can access quality inclusive education even in communities affected by conflict, displacement, natural disasters or food insecurity.
Using accessible e-learning, or hybrid learning methods to reach children in remote areas and at times of crisis.
Training teachers in the Universal Design for Learning approach to help them tailor their classes to meet their students’ diverse learning needs and strengthen inclusive education.
Outreach through community and health workers to raise awareness of the opportunities available to children with disabilities and their families.