Concept of Disability and Inclusive Education
Senior 2 · History
Concept of Disability and Inclusive Education
Lesson 3 of 4
18 min
Every class has learners who learn in different ways. Some need extra support to reach their full potential. Knowing what that support looks like helps teachers plan, and helps classmates become allies.
Special educational needs (SEN) are the needs of learners who require extra or different support to learn. Rwanda's education policy takes a broad view: learners with disabilities, learners with learning difficulties, gifted and talented learners, and learners facing barriers such as trauma, long illness, poverty or early pregnancy can all have special educational needs.
| Approach | What it means | Strengths and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Special school | A separate school for learners with a particular disability, such as a school for the Deaf | Specialist teachers and equipment, but learners are separated from their community |
| Integrated education | Learners with disabilities attend an ordinary school, sometimes in a special unit, but the school itself does not change much | Closer to home, but learners may be expected to "fit in" without support |
| Inclusive education | All learners learn together in their local school, and the school changes to meet each learner's needs | Everyone benefits, but it needs trained teachers, materials and good attitudes |
Situation: Keza has low vision. She struggles to read the board and her textbook.
Seat Keza near the front, with good light and away from glare. Materials: give her large-print notes, or let her use a magnifier or a phone camera to zoom. Teaching: the teacher reads aloud whatever is written on the board, and uses thick, high-contrast markers. Assessment: large-print papers and extra time. Peers: a classmate can share notes. None of these changes lowers the standard; they remove the barrier between Keza and the lesson.
Tip
Exam technique: when asked how to support a learner, organise your answer as Seat, Materials, Teaching, Assessment, Peers. Match each adaptation to the specific barrier.
What are special educational needs?
Solution. The needs of learners who require extra or different support to learn, including learners with disabilities, learners with learning difficulties, gifted learners, and learners facing barriers such as trauma or illness.
Distinguish integrated education from inclusive education.
Solution. In integrated education a learner with a disability attends an ordinary school, but the school changes little. In inclusive education the school itself changes to meet every learner's needs.
Suggest two ways to support a learner who is hard of hearing.
Solution. Any two of: seat them near the teacher; face the class when speaking; write key points on the board; use hearing aids; use sign language or an interpreter; reduce background noise.
Why are gifted learners included in special educational needs?
Solution. Because without extension work or extra challenge, they may become bored and fail to reach their potential. They too need teaching adapted to them.
Remember
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