Advancing Inclusion: A Cross-National Study on Educational Laws and Practices for Children with Disabilities in The Gambia and Senegal

Abstract

This research explores the challenges and opportunities of inclusive education for children with disabilities in The Gambia and Senegal. Inclusive education embraces all students as valued members of their school communities and favors the integration of students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms over exclusion and segregation in special schools. International and domestic laws and policies seek to ensure equal access to quality education. A review of existing laws, including the Disability Acts of both countries, reveals the evolution of legal frameworks ensuring the rights of children with disabilities to receive a free appropriate public education. While The Gambia and Senegal have made strides in policy development, there is a need for more robust legal enforcement and advocacy to translate these policies into practice. Using qualitative fieldwork, data was gathered from elementary schools through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. The research highlights significant barriers to inclusive education in both countries, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to special educational resources, and insufficient teacher training. Deeply ingrained cultural attitudes and societal beliefs about disability further hinder inclusive practices in The Gambia and Senegal. Despite these challenges, the research identifies promising initiatives such as specialized teacher training programs, the development of disability-friendly infrastructure, and expanded collaborative efforts between schools and disability organizations. These initiatives have positively impacted educational outcomes and fostered a sense of belonging among students with disabilities. The research concludes that achieving meaningful inclusive education in The Gambia and Senegal requires multifaceted approaches. Key recommendations include increased investment in educational resources and infrastructure, comprehensive teacher training, and promoting positive societal attitudes toward disability. Advocacy efforts should focus on strengthening legal frameworks and resources to ensure the enforcement of inclusive education laws and policies. These investments and efforts are essential for creating equitable educational environments that support all students' full participation and development, regardless of their abilities.