International Conference On Inclusive Education concludes

LAHORE ( Nov, 05,15) (Press Release) A two day international conference on inclusive education was concluded by University of Management and Technology’s (UMT) department of Special Needs Education here on Wednesday. Addressing the conference speakers laid emphasis on making effective legislation about universalizing school agenda through inclusive education. They said that Pakistan had the lowest literacy rate in South Asia that even countries such as Bhutan, Maldives and Bangladesh. They asked the government to legislate on inclusive education under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).  The speakers said that the future of children had been made limited because of government’s lack of interest in the matter. They argued that children with disabilities must be treated as full citizens and they ought to be given right to attend mainstream schools. The speakers said that because of poor legislation only 1 pc of children with disabilities had access to schools rest of the children was being deprived of accommodation in schools.  The speakers reminded the government that in 1986 back, a National Policy for Rehabilitation of the Disabled had been formulated but later in 1988 this policy was abandoned. Now it is high time to review the matter carefully and an effective policy to that in the light of UNCRPD should be formulated.

More than 250 renowned scholars from all over Pakistan and abroad including India, Afghanistan, UAE, USA, Turkey, UK and USA shared their knowledge, experience and views with the participants. The conference was chaired by notable educationist, advocate for inclusive education in Pakistan Prof. Dr. Abdul Hameed who is currently Dean of UMT’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Other guest speakers included Dr. Eman Gaad (UAE), Mr. Javed Abidi, President Disabled Person’s International (India), Dr. Scot Danforth (USA), Mr. Ashiq Husain Qureshi, Honorary Consul of France in Lahore, Ms. Ambreen Raza (Provincial Secretary Special Education Department,) Conference, and Mr. Muhammad Rafique Tahir (Ministry of Education, Islamabad) especially took part in the conference.

The speakers asked the government to take stern steps in legislating for inclusive education as soon as possible. At least a target of three to three years must be made in order to take initiative and to complete the process, they concluded.

Caption: Guest speakers are addressing to participants at international conference on inclusive education.

Released by

Public Relation Officer

UMT, Lahore