Abstract
In Zambia there are still many obstacles making it difficult for persons with disabilities to participate fully in our society. The major obstacle being lack of adequate legislation backing the education policy on special needs education.
Despite lack of effective legislation on Special Needs Education in Zambia, the Ministry of Education has been since 1993 evaluating the entire formal education system, with a view to determining the most appropriate framework for its future development. It had not done so alone, but had endeavoured to maximize stakeholder participation through consultation with legislators (Members of Parliament), research, dissemination workshops, and professional meetings.
The Zambian Government recognises the basic right of every Zambian to good quality education (Educating Our Future, 1996) It charts the direction the system should take in educating our children who will take charge of Zambia's destiny through the concept of Inclusive Education. Emphasis has been placed on such key factors of education provision to access equity and quality maintenance at all delivery points.
Zambia is a liberal democratic society, therefore, the State is obliged to protect and promote Fundamental Human and Civic Rights (this is provided for in Part III of the Republican Constitution, to propound policies and aims which focus on nurturing holistic development of individuals and renewal of skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary for the development of our society and the economy.
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