Improving Inclusion for Disabled Young People through Environmental Education

The goal of the project was to raise the quality of learning for young people with disabilities through providing integrated environmental education courses with mainstream schools. Our specific objectives included encouraging teachers and students in main stream schools to have a more positive view of young people with disabilities and developing in young people with disabilities a more positive self image and the belief that they can play a positive role in society.

We achieved this through creating an environmental education classroom and environmental area outside, both designed specifically for different groups of disabled young people. For example, we developed notice boards in braille for blind children and raised flower beds and ponds for easy access by young people in wheel chairs etc. These facilities were designed by a group of young people trained in both working with young people and environmental education. 

Dedicated training was provided for teachers and other educators supported working with disabled young people. The courses developed for disabled young people together with young people from mainstream schools demonstrated the value and importance of inclusion and integration.