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www.zeroproject.org
office@zeroproject.org
054
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Developing and testing indicators for disability, Monash University,
Australia
C
ONTACT
Krongold Centre, Faculty of Education, Monash University
Associate Professor Umesh Sharma
Australia
http://monash.edu/education/research/projects/pacific-indie/+61 3 9905 4388
umesh.sharma@monash.eduO
VERALL GOAL
/
MISSION
Less than 10% of children with disabilities have access to any form of education in the pacific countries. A large number
of students either never enroll in school or they drop out within a very short time. Most pacific countries are aware of
the need to improve the situation. They have signed a range of international declarations and have drafted policy
documents. The countries recognized that Inclusive Education is the best possible way to provide education to children
with disabilities and now need support in the course of the implementation. The mission of the project is to develop and
test a set of contextually specific indicators (Pacific Indicators for Disability Inclusive Education) to measure the progress
towards inclusive education.
T
HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED
A list of indicators were generated, based on a comprehensive methodology including literature reviews, surveys with
the Ministerial representatives from 14 pacific countries and focus group discussions in four selected countries. The tool
allows the countries to identify key areas that need to be addressed in order to implement Inclusive Education, monitor
their progress and set targets for future. The indicators were developed using three key principles. Firstly, it was
measured what Pacific Islanders value as authentic and relevant for Inclusive Education. Secondly, the focus was set on
creating an accessible environment that meets the diverse needs of all students. Another important fact was the active
involvement and contribution of people with disabilities.
C
OUNTRY IN WHICH IT WAS DEVELOPED
:
Australia
C
OUNTRY
/
COUNTRIES IN WHICH IT IS OPERATING
:
Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa and Vanuatu
F
ACTS ABOUT SIZE AND SCOPE
The indicators will be used by at least four countries (Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu). The data will be
collected by the Ministries of Education or Ministries of Health. The budgetary input varies from year to year. In
2013, the total education budget was US $5,263,136.75. In 2014, there will be a budget of US$ 6,246, 984.57