Top 10 countries for inclusion of children with disabilities
Inclusive education means that every child learns alongside peers in mainstream settings with the right supports. This block rates three levers that most strongly predict equitable participation and learning: accessible infrastructure, access to assistive technology (AT), and teacher preparation for inclusion.
- Infrastructure: building accessibility, transport, WASH, resource rooms, sensory-friendly spaces.
- Assistive technology: early identification, selection, procurement, service/maintenance, funding access.
- Teacher preparation: compulsory pre-service modules, in-service CPD, coaching/mentoring, multi-disciplinary teams.
Each pillar is scored on policy quality, implementation depth, coverage, and funding sustainability. Country score = average of three pillars (0–10). Where public data are limited, a transparency penalty is applied to avoid over-rating.
- High performers hard-wire universal design into building codes and procurement, not as pilot projects.
- AT is funded as a right: selection, fitting, training, and maintenance are part of the package.
- Teacher preparation combines mandatory pre-service content with ongoing coaching and mentoring in schools.
- Early identification and multi-disciplinary teams reduce later exclusion and costly remediation.
- Public dashboards on access and quality drive accountability and continuous improvement.
UNESCO Global Education Monitoring; UNICEF Inclusive Education briefs; OECD Education Policy Reviews; World Bank disability-inclusive education notes; national inclusion strategies and teacher standards.
