What are the challenges of children with disabilities when it comes to learning opportunities?
Children with disabilities, particularly those from marginalized and vulnerable groups, already had difficulty overcoming physical and structural barriers in their learning. The COVID-19 pandemic further limited their participation due to the shift to alternative learning modalities.
How does this affect their learning?
Without learning environments that are inclusive and responsive to their needs, children with disabilities might miss out on opportunities to improve their literacy, numeracy and social-emotional skills. This is crucial for them to develop and grow up into productive adults that can contribute to society.
How is ChildFund giving children with disabilities a fair chance at equitable and inclusive education?
ChildFund Philippines harnessed the power of technology to develop an application to support distance and blended learning of children with disabilities. In line with this, we work with local and government partners to develop appropriate special education (SPED) content modules and materials for children with disabilities to conveniently access on the platform. We also train SPED teachers to effectively facilitate distance learning, and we equip parents to better support their children’s special learning needs at home.