By Juliana Agbo, Abuja

A non-governmental organisation, Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI) in partnership with Disability Rights Fund (DRF) has called for effective inclusive education practices in Nigeria.

The organisation who made this known at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday highlighted discrimination as the major challenge facing disabled persons in the country.

The Executive Director, VDI Edeh Catherine called on government to provide initiatives in curriculum design, development and implementation of schemes.

While noting that civil society organisations should weigh in by identifying children in need and ensuring their placement, she urged them to keep track of the identified children by providing resources and introduce innovative practices through research.

She however called on private organisations to establish private inclusive schools, share knowledge and skills such as leadership management and teachers training.

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She said: “When there is inclusive education, the discrimination will reduce. This will make people understand them more and their impression about them will change.

“Inclusive education should start with teacher training such that every teacher should be trained on how to communicate with special children.

While explaining that most schools are not Inclusive and do not accommodate learners with disabilities, she said the Federal Capital Territory administration has made considerable efforts to incorporate inclusive education at the primary and secondary level.

“The general perspective being that there are segregated special schools that are designed for learners with disabilities and is the best system.

“There has not been much advocacy as expected in the area of awareness raising is low, therefore people do not clearly understand the essential importance of inclusive education development”, she said.