Why?
In this section you will learn why inclusive education matters.
Why is education important?
Education has many benefits for the individual as well as for the society and the state.
Benefits of education for the individual
- ensures human dignity
- ensures the full and holistic development of the human personality
- fosters physical and cognitive development
- allows for the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and talents
- contributes to the realization of the full potential of the individual
- enhances self-esteem and increases confidence
- encourages respect for human rights
- shapes a person's sense of identity and affiliation with others
- enables socialization and meaningful interaction with others
- enables a person to shape the world around them
- enables their participation in community life
- contributes to a full and satisfying life within society
- empowers and allows for the increased enjoyment of other human rights
Benefits of education for society and the state
- allows for the transmission of culture, values, identity, languages, and customs from one generation to the next
- promotes sustainable economic growth
- fosters democratic and peaceful societies
- encourages participation and inclusion in decision-making processes
- encourages a rich cultural life
- helps build a national identity
- promotes social justice aims
- overcomes persistent and entrenched challenges
- encourages sustainable development, including respect for the environment
Learning task
Consider: Why and how education offers these above mentioned benefits for an an individual and the society.
Global South – Benefits from inclusive education
Video: Nguyen Thuy Chi tells about her work as the co-founder and Vice Director of Touch the Green, a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities.
Video: Hoang Phuong tells about recsport. It is a type of sport that adapts to physical disabilities.
Education is not inclusive enough yet
Everyone has a right for education. But not everyone has equal access.
Approximately 1 in 6 people around the world experience significant disability (WHO 2023). They face complex barriers in access to education. Persons with a sensory, physical or intellectual disability are 2.5 times more likely to have never been in school as their peers without disabilities (UNESCO: Global Education Monitoring Report, 2020).
Persons with disabilities are also excluded based on their gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, economic status, language or religion. The situation of women and girls with disabilities is particularly vulnerable in many countries because they are discriminated against because of their gender and their disability. Dominant beliefs might insist that women and girls with disabilities are unable to contribute to daily tasks and take care of the family. They rarely have opportunities to go to school to learn to read and write, to gain employment or make decisions concerning their own bodies. Girls and women with disabilities who are in subordinate situations, often face violence, and emotional and sexual abuse.
Why is inclusive education needed?
Inclusive education is based on the principle that all learners should learn together.
This means that it is not enough that children and youth with disabilities have access to school. Instead of special schools, persons with disabilities should have access to participatory learning environment together with other students. This becomes possible through raising awareness, offering support and making accommodations in the environment.
Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to education, without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity. It is the obligation of the state to ensure an inclusive education system at all levels, and lifelong learning. (UNESCO: Right to education handbook, 2019)
A total of 186 states have recognized the CRPD. (OHCHR Dashboard)
The aims of inclusive education based on Article 24 are:
- full development of human potential and sense of dignity and self-worth, strengthening respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and diversity
- development of the personality, talents and creativity of persons with disabilities, as well as their mental and physical abilities, to their fullest potential
- enable persons with disabilities to participate effectively in society
The right to education means more than the right to access education. It also means the right to receive an education of good quality.
Inclusive education is a gateway to better and more diverse working life.
Across eight major geographical regions, an average of only 36 percent of working age persons with disabilities are in employment, compared to 60 per cent of the general population according to UN Disability and Development Report 2018, p. 152. In order to increase the number of persons with disabilities in the labour market it is vital to promote inclusion in education, not only at the basic level but also in further education. Through education people learn skills that enable them to fully participate in their communities and society. Children and youth with disabilities need to learn skills and competences that build their self-esteem and help them recognize their abilities.
Inclusive education advances several aims of sustainable development outlined in Agenda 2030, particularly those related to ensuring equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities (Goal 4), reducing inequalities (Goal 10), and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies (Goal 16).
Video: Teacher’s view on inclusive education.
Learning task
Elina is a primary school teacher and a Swedish and French language teacher in Finland. Watch the video on Elina’s thoughts on inclusive education.
What are the benefits of inclusive education for
- the pupil?
- the school community?
- the society?
Learning task
Read the first chapter in UNESCO Right to education handbook.
- Why do you think the right to education is a human right?
- How can education help solve economic and social issues occurring in your country?
- Does the right to education in your country cover all the dimensions of the normative content of the right to education as laid out in international law?
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