PARTNERSHIP FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION Presenter: Susanna Tadevosyan “Bridge of Hope” NGO Armenia

1. INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN ARMENIA PARTNERSHIP FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION Presenter: Susanna Tadevosyan “Bridge of Hope” NGO Armenia Moscow 27-29 Moscow CONFERENCE ON inclusive education for children with disabilities Unite for children

2. 1996 Bridge of Hope has been established by Parents of CWD, teachers, rehab specialist, Devoted Individuals

3. HOW THE IDEAS AND BELIFES IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION BECAME A STATE POLICY 1998: UNICEF supported participation of MOES and BoH in the 5th International Congress on Integration of Children with Disabilities. 2001: • MOU between MOES and BOH to start the 1st pilot of IE. • UNICEF– the 1st training on “IE and Assessment Practice”. 2002: UNICEF– the 1st evaluation of IE in Armenia. Conclusion: “In comparison to 2000, the inclusive education movement in Armenia has grown and consolidated…”. 2003-2005: Expansion of IE pilot initiative in 4 more schools.

4. PARTNERSHIP FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION • International Community • Family, community • Schools • Ministries • Civil Society Organizations • Parliament • Public-private partnerships

5. International Community • UNICEF (technical assistance, consultancy, trainings, community centers). • OXFAM, NOVIB (financing schools, teacher trainings, resource centers) • OSI AF (study visits, conferences) • OSI ESP (support to inclusive schools) • DANIDA • Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs • Mission East Advocacy, in-service and pre-service training, expansion of inclusive schools and towards inclusive system of education.

6. Family, community, schools • Parent Support Groups • National Network of Parents (www.parentsnetwork.am) • Community-based Child Development Centers in Tavush • Partnership with schools, local government • School Network (www.inclusion.am)

7. Civil Society • From competing to partnering • Disability Advocacy Coalition of NGOs (DAC) www.disabilitycoalition.am • Disability Month Campaign • Establishment of National and Regional Disability Councils.

8. Government • Ministry of Education and Science www.edu.am • Ministry of Labor and Social Issues www.mss.am • Marzpetarans (a province with administrative unite of regions). • Local Self-Government

9. Parliament • Commissions • Commission Experts • Individual MPs • Lobbying

10. Media • Periodic trainings for journalists • Language and ethics; social model • Press Conferences • Exchange of Information • Award Ceremonies • Public Education campaigns

11. Living Together, Learning Together • 77 schools with Inclusive practices • Pilot of new pedagogical position - ‘Teacher Assistant’ in 77 schools. • Inclusive data of children in schools and communities. • New financial procedures to inclusive schools. • Inclusive standards • Inclusive legislation

12. Challenges • Attitude of teachers, professionals and decision makers. • Lack of community based services. • Old teaching methods. • Domination of medical model of disability in the country. • Inaccessible school buidings and public transport. • Inclusion of children with severe forms of hearing and visual impairements. • Pre-service education of special education teachers is based on defectology.

13. Lessons Learned • Education according to the learning needs, not the characteristics of their impairments. • All levels of personnel need training and awareness-raising, including principles. • Inclusion should change the system,not the child. • Focus on enabling children to participate and learn within the educational environment. • Bottom up approach to IE. • Inclusion starts in our minds, ideas and beliefs and than in policies and practices.

14. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALLUNITE FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES Questions and Answers