Education programs for the disabled and access to learning opportunities for children and youth with disabilities

The project proposes a set of activities that respond to the needs of some of the most vulnerable groups in Lebanon, specifically children and young people with specific needs and disabilities, to respond to the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan 2017-2020, regarding inclusive education. The aim of the project is to achieve equal access to education for children with special needs through the proper training of school staff and the creation of a safe and inclusive environment in 24 public schools in the Bekaa region.

To this end, accessibility work will be carried out in physical spaces of 5 public schools. Likewise, the staff of the 24 schools (360 people) will be trained by qualified trainers in matters related to psychomotricity, ortho pedagogy and speech therapy, in order to identify the different disabilities and learning difficulties, and learn how to treat them. They will also be supported in adapting curricula to the specific needs of children and youth with disabilities.

On the other hand, in order to ensure an inclusive and safe school environment, 4,800 children between the ages of 6 and 14 will participate in awareness sessions so that they can easily understand the specific needs of students with disabilities and how to integrate them in equal conditions. In addition, during the parent committee meetings, awareness-raising sessions will also be held on the importance of including people with disabilities in all aspects of life, such as education.

In addition, community workers will be aware of families with children with disabilities not enrolled in public schools, to inform them of the current project, highlighting the possibility and importance of enrolling children in public schools.

During the development of the project, the FPSC will also provide psychosocial support staff within public schools. This figure will become familiar for teachers and students, but also for caregivers, who may turn to them for support and advice. In addition, it will closely monitor the 31 children with disabilities enrolled in public schools selected so far, and assess their needs and improvements. It will also make daily visits to public schools, ensuring a regular presence, and being able to refer internally and externally, as necessary, to the beneficiaries of the Arcenciel Centers and the FPSC Mental Health Clinic in Zahle to receive care and services respecting their confidentiality and their rights.