Egypt's Ministry of Education has announced that it will respond promptly to complaints regarding the integration of students with disabilities in schools. According to Dr. Hala Abdel Salam, Head of the Central Administration for Public Education, the ministry is committed to providing a supportive learning environment for all students, including those with disabilities. The ministry has established a set of regulations to ensure that schools comply with inclusive education policies.
Dr. Abdel Salam stated that the ministry has issued a circular requiring private and international schools to accept a minimum of 5% of students with disabilities above the approved capacity. This move aims to promote inclusivity and provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities. The law on disability, enacted in 2018, grants the ministry the authority to take action against schools that fail to comply, including issuing warnings and revoking licenses.
The ministry has made significant progress in integrating students with various disabilities, including autism, visual and hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, and learning difficulties. According to Dr. Abdel Salam, a total of 1,038,326 students with disabilities are currently enrolled in public and technical schools. The ministry has developed a detailed classification system to cater to the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
Dr. Abdel Salam emphasized the importance of matching a child's mental age with their chronological age when applying for school. She stressed that assessments and evaluations are conducted by specialists to ensure that each child is placed in a suitable educational setting. The ministry has expanded its medical evaluation process to include university and government hospitals, in addition to health insurance, to ensure impartial reports and facilitate the process for parents.
The ministry has also established specialized centers, such as the "Center of Excellence for Inclusive Education" in 10th of Ramadan City, which provides free services and support for students with disabilities. These centers offer speech therapy and skill development programs in collaboration with international experts.
Dr. Abdel Salam called on parents who face obstacles in enrolling their children with disabilities to contact the "General Administration for Inclusive Education" at the Ministry of Education. She assured that the ministry will take decisive action against schools that fail to comply with inclusive education regulations.
The ministry's efforts aim to promote a culture of inclusivity and provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities. With its comprehensive policies and specialized centers, Egypt's education system is taking significant steps towards ensuring that all students have access to quality education.
Key points
- The Egyptian Ministry of Education has committed to responding promptly to complaints regarding the integration of students with disabilities in schools.
- The ministry has established regulations requiring private and international schools to accept a minimum of 5% of students with disabilities above the approved capacity.
- A total of 1,038,326 students with disabilities are currently enrolled in public and technical schools in Egypt.
