CABE Foundation contributes at the Disability-Inclusive Pedagogy Workshop in Zanzibar

From September 9 to 11, 2024, the picturesque Maruhubi Campus of the State University of Zanzibar played host to a remarkable event aimed at reshaping the future of education for students with disabilities. The Disability-Inclusive Pedagogy Workshop, organized under the Breaking Barriers in Education: Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Technology (BERT) Project, gathered educators, disability advocates, students, and policymakers from across East Africa and beyond. It provided an opportunity to collaborate on creating a more inclusive academic landscape where every student, regardless of ability, can thrive.

The workshop began with a welcoming speech by Ambassador Theresa Zitting, Head of the Mission of the Embassy of Finland in Tanzania, followed by an opening address from Ms. Lela Mohammed Mussa, Head of the Ministry of Education of Zanzibar. The event featured sessions from various experts committed to the cause of disability inclusion.

A key highlight of the workshop was the session delivered virtually by Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director of the Centre for Accessibility in Built Environment (CABE) Foundation. As the only international guest speaker, Mr. Vashishth's session focused on Accessibility of Built Learning Environments for Persons with Disabilities drawing attention to the critical need for inclusive infrastructure in educational settings. 

His insights, shared with a wide range of stakeholders, including Tampere University, University of Rwanda, The State University of Zanzibar, and several disability organizations, NGOs, and government bodies underscored the importance of creating inclusive learning spaces that accommodate all students and the key features of accessibility that an educational building should strive for.  Mr. Vashishth also shared some good practices from the Accessibility Guidelines and Standards for Higher Education Institutions and Universities, that he co-authored with other sector experts for the University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India.  His virtual presence was a testament to the reach and impact of the workshop, which extended beyond physical borders.

We thank Ms. Aychesh Nigussie Koski, Project Specialist and Mr. Kari-Pekka Murtonen, Chief Specialist and Head of Global Action at Institute of Rehabilitation, Jamk University of Applied Sciences and for this kind invitation to this important Workshop.

Highlights from the Workshop

The workshop featured various sessions and discussions, each focusing on essential elements of disability inclusion in education. Key highlights included:

• Understanding Disability and Inclusion Strategies: Participants explored ways to dismantle the societal barriers that hinder people with disabilities, using real-world examples and practical insights.
• Fostering Inclusivity in Teaching and Learning: Educators learned about techniques to create inclusive classrooms that support all students, including those with disabilities, to succeed.
• Accessibility in the Built Environment: Mr. Vashishth’s session highlighted the importance of physical accessibility in educational facilities, ensuring that learning spaces are designed to accommodate everyone.
• Digital Accessibility and Assistive Technologies: In an era of increasing digitalization, participants discussed how to make digital tools and platforms more accessible for students with disabilities.
• Best Practices from Finland: The event showcased Finland's renowned approach to inclusive education, offering participants a glimpse into successful strategies that can be adapted to local contexts.
• Inclusive School Visit in Zanzibar: A visit to a local inclusive school provided participants with first-hand experience of how accessibility and inclusivity are being implemented at the grassroots level, inspiring ideas for replication across the region.

BERT Project: Breaking Barriers for a More Inclusive Future

The BERT Project, which hosted this workshop, is a collaboration between higher education institutions in Finland and East Africa, including JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Tampere University, the University of Rwanda, and the State University of Zanzibar. The project, funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and administered by the Finnish National Agency for Education, aims to build capacity in higher education institutions to better include and support students with disabilities.

With a "Human Rights-Based Approach" to disability inclusion, the BERT Project emphasizes the elimination of prejudice and discrimination, fostering an equitable educational environment where students with disabilities can excel.

CABE Foundation's Commitment to Accessibility

At the CABE Foundation, we believe that #InclusionMatters and are dedicated to advocating for accessibility in both physical and digital environments. Mr. Vashishth’s participation in the Disability-Inclusive Pedagogy Workshop was a significant step in our ongoing efforts to promote accessible learning spaces that cater to the needs of all students.

As the conversation around disability inclusion in education continues to evolve, CABE Foundation remains committed to #LeaveNoOneBehind, working towards a future where education truly knows no limits.

Stay tuned for more developments as CABE Foundation continues its mission to create accessible, inclusive environments for all.