Before the COVID-19 pandemic, children with disabilities were less likely to be learning even if they were in school. Since the start of the pandemic, school closures have led to a greater learning crisis, creating increased exclusion, marginalisation and poverty for children with disabilities and a growing digital divide.
Through our education work, we’ve shown that change is possible: when education systems are inclusive, children with disabilities can not only access school, but can learn alongside their peers and thrive.
Together with our global partners, we test and share ways to ensure inclusive education is embedded in education systems, and we call on national governments and those involved in global education to include them in policy.
Find out more in our education strategy
In Nigeria and Kenya, two innovative education projects are enabling children with disabilities to reach their potential.
Read the storyIndia
We’re looking at how children who are deafblind can use assistive technology to communicate.
Bangladesh
We’re exploring how children with complex needs can be included in schools and learn with others.
West Africa
Our research into why girls with disabilities are less likely to go to school is helping us develop strategies to tackle it.
We support children with disabilities in their early years, making sure they're included in pre-schools so they're set up to achieve from an early age.
Our education programme supports children with disabilities to learn in mainstream schools alongside their peers.
How an evaluation tool to assess children’s development has been adapted for young children with disabilities in Kenya.
Sightsavers’ Liesbeth Roolvink and Gillian Mackay share learnings from the SMILE project in Nigeria, where a new questionnaire is being used in schools to assess children’s educational needs.
In February 2023, Sightsavers will present at the Comparative and International Education Society conference in Washington DC.