College of Education
07 Nov 2024
Participants in the Pilot Training posing for a group photo
The University of Rwanda (UR), through its Students Support Centre, has inaugurated a pilot training program aimed at advancing equal opportunities and addressing inclusion and disability in higher education. Facilitated by academic staff from the University of Rwanda-College of Education, School of Inclusive and Specials Needs Education, the two-day event, held at the UR Head Office in Gikondo, is part of Work Package 7 (WP7) of the ANSWER project, focusing on institutional building. Tasked with the mission of fostering an inclusive academic environment, the training assembled academic and administrative staff, administrators, and advocates for a series of sessions designed to increase understanding and reshape attitudes towards disability and inclusion.
The program began by tackling common misconceptions around disability. Jean Bosco Nshimiyimana, an expert in disability studies, led a session that challenged prevailing myths and introduced participants to an empathetic framework for understanding disability. Following this, Pierre Barayagwiza facilitated a participatory debate on biases and false beliefs, encouraging attendees to reflect on the societal and institutional barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.
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Participants conducted a series of discussions in groups around the theme of the training
A series of discussions throughout the day centered on attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. In a session titled"The Importance of Attitudes when working with and for People with disabilities at the University of Rwanda," Barayagwiza underscored how positive attitudes among university staff can be instrumental in promoting accessibility and support for students with disabilities. The day concluded with an open discussion titled "ABCs of Attitudes," led by Nshimiyimana, which provided participants a platform to voice their thoughts on the role of empathy and sensitivity in an inclusive educational environment.
On the second day, the training delved deeper into the theoretical and practical aspects of disability rights. Barayagwiza initiated the day’s sessions with a talk on "Human vs. Disability Rights," discussing the legal frameworks and distinctions that support people with disabilities. This was complemented by Emanuel Mbelimana’s session on transitioning from theory to practice, which provided insights into how legal frameworks can be applied within academic settings to support students with disabilities effectively.
Additional topics on Day 2 included the "Social Model vs. Medical Model of Disability" and "From Integration to Inclusion," both of which were facilitated by Nshimiyimana. These sessions dissected the evolving concepts and terminologies in disability discourse, emphasizing a shift from viewing disability solely as a medical condition to recognizing the role of social barriers.
An open debate on empathy, facilitated by Uwinyange Beata, encouraged participants to understand the importance of perspective-taking in promoting inclusivity. This led into sessions on supporting the self-determination of students with disabilities, fostering independence, and aiding their transition to higher education. The training wrapped up with a call for inclusive practices that enable students to navigate university life more independently and with greater confidence.
The pilot training marks a significant step forward for UR’s Student Support Centre in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity within Rwanda’s higher education sector. By equipping staff with a thorough understanding of the challenges and rights of students with disabilities, the program aims to cultivate a learning environment where all students have the support they need to succeed.
Story by
NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-CE
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