People with disabilities are the most discriminated against, marginalized and disadvantaged social group in Bolivia. The enrollment rates for children with disabilities in Bolivia are relatively low, with only 38% of disabled children attending school.

In Bolivia, a nation in central South America, nearly half of the population is under the age of 18. Access to primary education is almost universal, as 95% of Bolivians aged 6 to 11 are enrolled in school.

The opportunities for Bolivian children with disabilities are limited. Teachers and families lack the specialized training to care for and teach disabled children, so they seldom receive the education and medical attention they deserve.

Embracing Disability in Bolivia is an organization that addresses the need for an educational system that accommodates children with disabilities. The annual Embracing Disability in Bolivia conference works with Bolivian churches, schools, social service agencies and families to create schools that provide accommodations and services for children with special needs.

At the first annual conference in 2013, the sessions’ subject areas included: general information about the term ‘disability’; attitudes toward people with disabilities, behavioral disorders and health conditions related to disabilities, the best practices for educating children with disabilities, accessibility and transportation for disabled students and professional training for disabled graduates.

In 2014, the Embracing Disability in Bolivia conference expanded upon its initial set of subject areas to include topics such as funding and advocacy.

Training sessions for teachers and families and interactive sessions for attendees to share personal stories are also featured. In a 2015 session, mothers talked about their experiences and the difficulties they encountered while caring and advocating for their children with disabilities.

Each year, Embracing Disability in Bolivia finds new ways to expand and improve its annual conference. At the 2017 conference, Embracing Disability in Bolivia plans to provide new insights, information and opportunities to help integrate more Bolivian children with disabilities into mainstream education.

– Gabrielle Doran

Photo: Flickr