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Supporting children with learning disabilities to access education

Graphic: Cover shot of SUHAKAM's report

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia has released a report on access to education, with focus on primary education, for children with disabilities.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia has released a report of its study on the right to education, with focus on primary education, for children with learning disabilities (CWLD).

The study was conducted in 2013-2014 with three main objectives:

  • To raise awareness among stakeholders about the challenges faced by CWLD in accessing primary education
  • To identify gaps in information about education for CWLD
  • To build bridges between the Government and civil society to promote more participatory, transparent and accountable policymaking in the education sector.

The report highlights the Commission's observations on the challenges and barriers to education faced by CWLD. It also outlines the Commission's recommendations to address those challenges and ensure that CWLD can enjoy their right to an inclusive education.

SUHAKAM's report highlights the importance of ensuring availability of accurate data on CWLD; appropriate assessment and screening process to identify learning disabilities in children; sufficient and adequate infrastructures; suitable and spacious classrooms conducive to students learning; sufficient teaching and learning materials; and more qualified and trained personnel in special education programmes, including special education teachers, education specialists and teacher's aides.

As a follow-up step, the Commission recently organised a roundtable discussion with the relevant key stakeholders to discuss the findings of the study. The discussion enabled the Commission to obtain feedback from the relevant Government agencies and civil society on the issues raised in the report.

The full report is available at: http://www.suhakam.org.my/pusat-media/sumber/lain-lain/

Date: 24 November 2015


Image credits

  1. Cover shot of SUHAKAM's report - Human Rights Commission of Malaysia