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Presented at ISEC 2000

The Bumpy Road to Inclusive Education in Zambia

Gipson M. Kapila - Zambia Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities, Mansa, Zambia

Abstract

In Zambia Special Education has been in existence for quite some years now. However, Inclusive Education is relatively new and the rate at which it is being implemented is quite slow for immediate impact. It will take a few more years for the impact to be seen if the present trend continues. Traditional pessimistic views held by many especially those with little or no education and the slow rate at which Government implements Inclusive Education have contributed to persons with Disabilities lagging behind. Persons with Developmental or Learning Disabilities being the most hit. With the passing into Law of "The Persons with Disabilities Act of 1996", Government has accepted its fundamental obligation to provide Inclusive Education to all children. This is a step forward by Government to move from what was regarded as a right to Statutory Policy. Awareness campaign meetings and advocacy pressure being exerted on Government by Organisations of and for Persons with Disabilities are positive moves to the realisation of Inclusive Education. The opening of a Teachers College in special Education is another welcome move. Lack of resources by Government is one of the many obstacles in the provision of Special and Inclusive Education.

 

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