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Writer's pictureVassilis Stamatopoulos

Accessibility and schools.

Updated: May 22



"People with a mobility disability are all those people who have little or great difficulty in moving one or more parts of their body.". Around the world, people with disabilities face inadequate provision in all areas of daily life. Education is no exception; people with disabilities have lower academic achievement in education than people without disabilities. This is partly due to the fact that people with disabilities face barriers accessing services that many of us take for granted, including education.


Despite legislative provisions, educational structures have significant flaws. The majority of schools have gained accessibility at the school entrance (usually a ramp) and this is where interventions are ended. After the pupil enters the school, accessibility usually ends. Out-of-service lifts, narrow corridors and inadequate classrooms make up the school's setting.


Even in the cases of schools that have managed to ensure a basic level of accessibility for their students, children with disabilities once again face obstacles during their educational journey. Restrictions on participation in sports activities and educational excursions have a negative impact on the quality of their education.


In addition to the educational aspects, students with disabilities also face socio-psychological exclusion. The lack of access to the school playground deprives them of the possibility to interact with peers, reinforcing their loneliness. Lack of autonomy can affect their self-confidence and their ability to form friendships.


The need to create safe, inclusive, and accessible environments for students should be a key priority and goal. School accessibility for children with disabilities is a fundamental right and a prerequisite for a fair and equitable education. By promoting full accessibility, we create an environment where every child, regardless of physical challenges, can actively participate in the educational process. Accessibility is not only an indicator of equality, but also invests in the richness of diversity and fosters mutual understanding. By removing barriers, we offer children with disabilities the opportunity to develop their full potential, while promoting a spirit of community and solidarity in the educational environment.


In conclusion, promoting accessibility in schools is a fundamental aspect of establishing an education that reflects diversity and fosters respect. Creating an environment that is accessible to all children, regardless of their differences, is an investment in education and the future of every community. By creating an educational environment that encourages mutual cooperation and understanding and provides the appropriate and necessary infrastructure, we lay the foundations for a society that recognizes and accepts diversity. In this way, we promote not only education, but also solidarity and respect, so that all children enjoy equal opportunities and the treatment they truly deserve.

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