The Global Action on Disabilities Network calls for addressing the urgent needs of the learners with disabilities during the COVID19 pandemic

The inequality in education is growing due to the COVID19 pandemic. Learners with disabilities are especially vulnerable. The Global Action on Disabilities Network's* (GLAD) Inclusive Education Working Group (IEWG) issued a statement on 4th of May to highlight the urgent need to support learners with disabilities in all education levels from early childhood education to tertiary levels, considering the short, medium and longer term actions needed.

GLAD-IWEG invites policy makers and donors to seize the opportunity to include all learners, inclusive of learners with disabilities, in COVID19 crisis responses through education investments and to plan for the provision of equitable access to education and learning for all when schools reopen. The statement also highlights the importance of supporting students with diverse learning needs and their families as well as supporting educators, curriculum developers, leaders in different levels of education systems and stakeholders in the society during and after the COVID19 pandemic.

^{Source: GLAD-IWEG infographic on inclusive education}

The full statement and recommendations are available in English and Spanish at https://bit.ly/COVID19_IEWG_Statement . The GLAD-IWEG infographic that depicts key messages and considerations for inclusive education is available in five languages at https://gladnetwork.net/search/resources/glad-infographic-inclusive-education.

For more information and resources on inclusive education and COVID-19, you may visit https://bit.ly/COVID19_Edu  

*The GLAD Network, of which the European Commission is a member, is a coordination body of bilateral and multilateral donors and agencies, the private sector and foundations working to enhance the inclusion of persons with disabilities in international development and humanitarian action.