Disability Inclusion

Girl in a wheelchair in Syria writing on the board.
ECW designs and supports education in emergencies and protracted crises programmes that meet the requirements of children and adolescents with disabilities.
The Fund's support ensures that girls and boys with disabilities thrive in their learning environment on an equal basis with others.

Overview

Evidence on access to education and learning outcomes among children with disabilities is generally scant. Nonetheless, existing data show that most children and adolescents with disabilities are less likely than their peers to attend school, learn as much and move successfully from primary to secondary education. In emergencies and protracted crises, these inequalities compound with heightened risk of violence and exclusion from education. Unfortunately, humanitarian response has often failed to meet the necessary requirements that guarantee access to education and a meaningful learning experience for girls and boys with disabilities.

Disability Inclusion
Disability Inclusion2

ECW’s Response

ECW operates in low- and middle-income countries, where it is estimated that 80% of girls and boys with disabilities live. ECW’s work to enhance access to education and learning of children and adolescents with disabilities takes place at both the global and country level. ECW raises awareness of disability inclusion among key stakeholders – including Government, and humanitarian and development aid actors. 

ECW also funds, through its Acceleration Facility, the generation of knowledge and tools that can help improve access and learning outcomes of girls and boys with disabilities in emergencies and protracted crises. 

At the country level, ECW leverages a two-pronged approach. In each programme, ECW seeks to target girls and boys with disabilities through interventions meeting their specific requirements. The Fund also ensures that all programme interventions embed the perspectives of learners with disabilities so that they can benefit and be active stakeholders on an equal basis with others. 

Read the ECW Policy and Accountability Framework on Disability Inclusion to learn more about ECW’s commitments to reach and include children with disabilities in education in emergencies and protracted crises.

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The Inclusive Education and Early Childhood Community of Practice

The Disability Inclusive Education Forum “Reaching the Most Marginalised” was held on 4 December 2020 and hosted by the Government of Norway, Education Cannot Wait, the Global Campaign for Education, Special Olympics, International Disability Alliance (IDA), International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) and Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies. The Forum sought to encourage local, national and international decision makers to ensure that inclusive education for learners with disabilities – particularly in humanitarian emergencies – should be a key focus of education systems, delivery and planning as well as COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

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Key Documents

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DISABILITY INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FORUM RECOMMENDATIONS

Advocacy Brief/Factsheet
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Girl carrying a book bag outside her home

Education Cannot Wait Policy and Accountability Framework on Disability Inclusion

Guidelines
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