Special Education in Sri Lanka: A snapshot of three provinces

Authors

  • Nimisha Muttiah The Pennsylvania State University
  • Kathryn D.R. Drager The Pennsylvania State University
  • Lindsay O'Connor The Pennsylvania State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v36i2.4388

Keywords:

special education, low- and middle-income countries (LAMI), parents' perspectives, inclusive education, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study discusses special education services across three provinces of Sri Lanka. It sought to answer the following research questions: (a) who are the children receiving special education services? (b) what are the current special education practices? (c) what are parents' views on communication supports, inclusion and literacy? Sixty-seven parents from the Western, Southern and Northern provinces participated in an in-person survey interview. The results indicated no children older than 14 years and very few children with severe needs received school services. This study identified some key implications including a need for Speech and Language Therapists to work in schools. It also discusses the benefits and challenges of implementing inclusive education in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries.

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Published

2016-05-26

How to Cite

Muttiah, N., Drager, K. D., & O’Connor, L. (2016). Special Education in Sri Lanka: A snapshot of three provinces. Disability Studies Quarterly, 36(2). https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v36i2.4388