Fostering Disability-Inclusive Education: Towards Genuinely Upholding Disability Rights

Ervin D. Salupare, PhD SPED and IE

Inclusive education serves as a foundation of modern pedagogy, embodying the principle that all
learners, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, should have equal opportunities to access and benefit
from quality education. Creating a realistic venue for inclusive education, especially for learners with
disabilities, is not only a moral imperative but also evidence to the effectiveness of a truly diverse and
equitable learning environment. Creating a realistic venue for inclusive education of learners with
disabilities is a complex and multifaceted effort that involves change in perspective, curriculum approach,
infrastructure, and collaborative efforts. When educators, families, communities, and policymakers unite
to genuinely embrace the values of inclusive education, they pave the way for a more enriching learning
experience for all leaners which celebrates diversity and enables every learner to reach their optimum
potentials.

In the pursuit of disability-inclusive education rights, the training, consultation, research, and innovation
initiatives of SEAMEO Regional Centre for Special Educational Needs (SEAMEO SEN) serve as dynamic
catalyst that collectively shape educational paradigm of SEAMEO member countries where learners with
disabilities receive the, recognition, support and opportunities they deserve. An unwavering pursuit of
SEAMEO SEN that still continues even after more than a decade. These pillars, when harmoniously
applied, enable educators, policymakers, and communities to work together successfully and create and
enable educational environments that celebrate diversity, honor and uphold the innate right of every
learner to meaningful and inclusive education.

Moreover, SEAMEO SEN recognizes that awareness and collaboration are contributors of effective
disability rights advocacy. By fostering understanding and uniting stakeholders through its programs and
projects, it is able to form a dynamic vigor that fuels societal change. The African proverb, it takes a village
to raise a child, encapsulates the idea that advocating for disability rights is not a solitary effort, but a
collective undertaking that requires the participation and empowerment of individuals, organizations, and
institutions at all levels. When awareness prompts action and collaboration strengthen impact, we move
closer to a community where disability rights are not just promoted for, but genuinely upheld.

Finally, I wanted to share a simple poem that sums up the essence of inclusion, that all must be INCLUDED.

It is wonderful, if you’ll see.

No more labels, all could be.
Categories and typecasts are left out;
Learning styles and talents, now come out.
Unfalteringly remember, no child left behind;
Diversity as a tenet must be kept in mind
Equality and equity are in its foundation;
Definitely, INCLUSION is more than just a placement option.

*My research interests are Early Childhood Special Education, ICT, Adult Education and Transition
Program.