Breaking Barriers

Education should open doors for every child yet millions remain excluded simply because of disability. “Breaking Barriers” explores the urgent need for inclusive education, the challenges faced by children with disabilities, and the collective action required to ensure that no child is left behind.

Left Behind: Why 90% of Children with Disabilities Aren’t in School

In a world that champions education as a fundamental right, one group remains overwhelmingly excluded: children with disabilities. According to the Global Partnership for Education, a staggering 90% of children with disabilities in low and lower-middle income countries do not attend school. This silent crisis demands urgent attention—not just from policymakers, but from educators, communities, and advocates worldwide.

Barriers Beyond the Classroom

Children with disabilities face a complex web of obstacles that prevent them from accessing education:

  • Physical Inaccessibility: Many schools lack ramps, elevators, or adapted classrooms, making it physically impossible for some children to attend.
  • Discrimination and Stigma: Deep-rooted societal biases often lead to exclusion, bullying, and low expectations.
  • Segregated Systems: Even when education is available, it’s often in isolated “special schools” that separate children from their communities.
  • Lack of Trained Educators: Teachers may not be equipped to support diverse learning needs, leaving children behind.
  • Poverty and Institutionalization: In regions like Eastern Europe, children with disabilities are up to 17 times more likely to be institutionalized, often receiving little or no education.

The Ripple Effect of Exclusion

The consequences of educational exclusion are profound:

  • Higher Dropout Rates: Even when enrolled, children with disabilities are more likely to leave school early.
  • Limited Employment Opportunities: Without education, future job prospects shrink dramatically.
  • Social Isolation: Lack of schooling often leads to marginalization and reduced participation in community life.
  • Increased Vulnerability: Children with disabilities are at greater risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

A Call for Inclusive Education

Inclusive education isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a legal one. International frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities mandate that all children have the right to learn in inclusive settings. Yet implementation lags far behind. To change this, we must:

  • Invest in Accessibility: Build schools that welcome every child.
  • Train Teachers: Equip educators with the tools to support diverse learners.
  • Challenge Stigma: Promote awareness and celebrate ability.
  • Support Families: Provide resources and community-based alternatives to institutionalization.
  • Enforce Policy: Hold governments accountable for inclusive education commitments.

Voices That Matter

As one advocacy group puts it: “Children with disabilities are not invisible. They are being ignored.” That must change. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.