Barriers to Education for Children with Disa...

Barriers to Education for Children with Disabilities in Ethiopia

Author Name : Bisrat Abera Sawo

ABSTRACT Despite government efforts to integrate children with disabilities into mainstream education, they continue to face significant challenges. This paper examines these challenges within the Ethiopian education system, drawing on the author's two decades of research and experience. It focuses on the policy frameworks on inclusion of children with disabilities, status of children with disabilities in Ethiopia, focused efforts to improve education of children with disability, the impact of these challenges on the quality of education and high dropout rates among primary school students with disabilities. Furthermore, factors contributing to these issues include perception of parents towards education and disability, parental difficulties, societal attitudes, lack of awareness on disability, social stigma, gender discrimination, inadequate teacher training, limited disability awareness, and insufficient resources and explored using qualitative research approach. The paper advocates for a comprehensive approach to ensure equal access and successful completion of primary education for all children.