‘How to implement policy on inclusive education’

By Alao Abiodun

Experts have identified lapses in the implementation of Lagos policy on inclusive education, among which is the non-inclusion of organisations of persons with disabilities.

They spoke recently at the two-day workshop on ‘Understanding Inclusive Education and Advocacy Strategies’, organised by the Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF) under its United for Inclusive Education Project.

FFF’s Executive Director Festus Fajemilo urged participants, especially organisations of persons with disabilities, to design policy plans to address lapses in the state policy.

Fajemilo also recommended the need for adaptation of curriculum and teaching programs according to students’ individual needs.

The experts including Lagos State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, Journalist, BONews Service Ms. Blessing Oladunjoye and Lagos State Coordinator, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All, (CSACEFA), Mrs Ronke Eseka, stressed the need to raise awareness on Inclusive Education by making it work through the use of advocacy, coming together of different disability cluster groups and also working on data of children with disabilities.

Dr. Adebayo said organisations of persons with disabilities can assume the roles of civil societies as stated in the policy by influencing the government to implement child rights and protection law.