Start date: February 15, 2010
End date: February 14, 2012
Project budget (Life of Project): $197,730
Objectives
Provide enhanced opportunities for primary-school students with disabilities in Macedonia to access education opportunities. Enable IT access for these students through use of assistive technology, and increase teacher abilities to work with new technologies to assist these students. Promote the benefits of assistive technology use in schools, and involve relevant stakeholders in creating an environment where children with disabilities can gain a better education.
Components
- Assessment of the specific needs of students with disabilities in primary schools with regard to their usage of computers.
- Provision of relevant and innovative equipment consisting of a wide range of assistive devices for primary schools.
- Capacity building of primary school teachers and administrators through training on assistive technology and its role in educational and professional activities.
- Round tables for teachers, parents and members from relevant Ministries.
- Art contest for students from the equipped schools.
Expected Results/Impact
The program aims to change the current general mindset of teachers and other stakeholders that a person with disability is incapable of participating in regular classes. Indirectly, the message will be conveyed that one’s disability is not a reason for exclusion, but that with additional assistance and support, it is possible for students with disabilities to participate in regular classrooms. Persons with disability can make use of the abilities they have and overcome the barriers they face in their daily life.
20 primary schools in different cities in Macedonia have been selected to receive assistive devices. Up to sixteen individuals, including 10 teachers, school administrators, pedagogues and psychologists, local government, Bureau for Development of Education (BDE) Advisors and parent and local government representatives, will be selected at each of those schools to receive training to build their capacity for working in this area. One teacher per school will be selected to become a staff trainer (resource person).
The project surveyed all 334 central primary schools in Macedonia on the number of children with disabilities, the types of disability, and the awareness and capacity of schools to integrate and provide services, especially the use of assistive technology, to children with special needs. Results showed that although many schools report having students with disabilities, few are equipped or have staff with the necessary skills to provide support to these students.
Contact Information
Contact at USAID: Natasha Buleska, AOTR – nbuleska@usaid.gov
Project Manager: Vladimir Lazovski - vladimir.lazovski@openthewindows.org
Information Officer: Margarita Gulevska - margarita.gulevska@openthewindows.org
Website: www.openthewindows.org