Ramp up for an Inclusive Life

School preparation group for promoting inclusive education! Inclusive education requires more skills and preparation for children with special needs Conducting school preparedness class for children with disabilities together with their peers is very essential, when children with special need are getting ready to go to the mainstream schools. Most children with disabilities have difficulties in social communication and learning when they are at schools. To support children to overcome and prevent the challenges at schools we have school preparedness lessons for six months at community-based rehabilitation centers before the children with disabilities are enrolled in schools. During the lessons children learn basic skills to be prepared to go to the first year in school. They learn alphabet letters, numbers, colors, animals. They also learn songs, make crafts and paint coloring books. All these activities with using visual aids help CWDs to improve cognitive, speech and social skills. We also invite their peers and future classmates to these lessons. While interacting with each other, the children adapt into school environment, become friends and learn from each other. In July children from school preparedness group go through the procedure that identifies their abilities to go to schools. In September 2024, 42 children with disabilities will be enrolled into mainstream school.

Every day children with disabilities have meet with difficulties in going to school, interacting with their peers and participate in educational process.

In the framework of the project, we should provide conditions for children with disabilities at schools. There was an assessment conducted in 9 schools in Rudaki and Bobojjon Gafurov’s district.

Dunyou rushdi jomea assed schools for physical accessibility in the building and the toilets. There were 6 schools selected where children with disabilities attend classes on a regular basis and some children who are at home schooling come to the social school events.  DRJ has started to do preparation work for constructing ramps and toilets at schools.

Moreover, the administrations of two schools said it is very important to built a ramp in their schools as its building is used for elections and other community events.

Community authorities also supported these initiatives and expressed their willingness to help. They said: “We are thankful and ready to cooperate with schools and DRJ. We see a great need for this and try to promote inclusion in the society. We want children and adults with disabilities to be able to participate in community life, cultural and social events and not stay home, but being included!”