‘Disability is not inability’: breaking down stigma and helping children into school

Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable in any society. They rely even more on the love and care of their parents, family and the wider community.

When children with a physical or mental disability 国产视频� or both 国产视频� are born into extreme poverty, deprivation or conflict, their chances of fulfilling their potential are drastically reduced.

They can face discrimination in the form of negative attitudes, lack of adequate policies and legislation, and little or no opportunity for education.

A report on education for girls with disabilities – called聽Still Left Behind聽– was published recently by the聽United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative聽and the charity聽Leonard Cheshire Disability.

It said disabled girls suffer double discrimination, adding: “Cultural bias and rigid gender roles are the most聽frequently mentioned barriers to education for聽girls with disabilities.”

It said there are many other barriers – such as girls with disabilities not being expected to work and therefore not needing an education. Transport, toilet facilities and the attitude of teachers are among other factors.聽

In many countries, disabled children are hidden away. Estimates in the World Report on Disability (2011) suggest there are between 93 million and 150 million children under 14 with disabilities in the world. But the numbers could be much higher.聽

Susie Bennett, head of communications for charity聽ADD International聽(Action on Disability and Development) said there are few聽reliable data sources.

She added: 国产视频淎t the heart of the work of disability activists is the drive to increase the engagement of disabled people at all levels of society 国产视频� within families, schools, communities and power-holders.

国产视频淭his empowerment must start as early as possible in a disabled person国产视频檚 life. As disabled children emerge from isolation, grow in confidence and find their voice, it breaks down stigma and shifts people国产视频檚 understanding of disability. This leads to changes in attitudes, behaviour and policy.聽

国产视频淭he results are real independence. Children who had been considered worthless, a drain and a burden, are recognised as individuals with ability and worth.聽

国产视频淭hey are learning, evolving and growing up feeling and knowing that they are contributing to their families and community. A new story, that disability is not inability, comes to life.国产视频�

In Tanzania, the picture is one of hope 国产视频� with a clear view to opening up the issue of childhood disability.

国产视频淲e aim to get disabled children into school,” said Bennett. “Together with our disability activist partners, we will train 250 village leaders to go door to door to find disabled children who are often hidden away at home.

国产视频淲e then work with parents to break down stigma and change attitudes, so parents see their child has the potential to learn and flourish and enrols him or her into school.聽

国产视频淲e link parents to local income-generating schemes so that they can earn the money to pay for their child国产视频檚 schooling.国产视频�

ADD International also engages teachers, schools and the community to create inclusive learning environments that have the required training, equipment and learning materials, as well as being physically accessible.

While there is progress in the promotion of care for children with disabilities 国产视频� it is still an area that needs vast amounts of support and funding.

90% of brain development happens before the age of five.聽

国产视频’s #5for5 campaign has been highlighting the need for investment in early childhood development – so that all children have access to quality care including nutrition, health, learning, play and protection.

Despite all the challenges for children living with disabilities – including stigma where disabled children are often considered weak or worthless 国产视频� it国产视频檚 usually not other children who are the problem.

They deal with disability very differently than many adults – it seems there is more acceptance.

Clinical psychologist Dr Abigael San, who has worked for many years in the disability sector, said: 国产视频淵oung children are very honest when it comes to disability.聽

国产视频淭hey will notice that someone is different but that国产视频檚 it. If a child is playing with a disabled child they will notice the disability but will still engage. It国产视频檚 adults who don国产视频檛 cope as well.

国产视频淥ne of my clients, who has very shaky hands, was trying to buy something in a shop 国产视频� and the child helping at the till opened the bag wide enough for her to put her purchase inside.聽

“Children see the disability and help. Adults are sometimes too embarrassed to.

国产视频淧lus children will just come out and ask. Like why do you have this? They question disability openly without making a judgement.国产视频�

An example of this comes from a recent UNICEF report where a four-year-old child with cerebral palsy is integrating well into a pre-school nursery in Veles, Macedonia.

国产视频淢ihail, four-year-old, has cerebral palsy,” said the report. “He is one of the few children with disabilities who attend kindergarten in the country.聽

“Playing games together with other children, and especially with his best friend Ljupco, is one of the things he loves most.”

Mihail国产视频檚 teacher Maya said: 国产视频淲hen included in playing games on an equal basis with other children, Mihail builds self-confidence and independence.聽

“Cheering makes him proud of his achievements. The same goes for all the other children.国产视频�