Education Cannot Wait Summit in Berlin Highlights Systemic Obstacles for Children with Disabilities
Published on 4.5.25
The recent Education Cannot Wait Global Disability Summit in Berlin marked a significant step towards creating a more inclusive education system for children with disabilities worldwide. Delegates made key pledges to prioritize inclusive education, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by families navigating the education system.
Gaurav Jashnani's experience as a parent advocating for his autistic son's needs highlights the systemic obstacles that exist in the current education system. Schools often fail to provide students with all necessary resources on their Individualized Education Program (IEP), exacerbating existing issues. The school board's response to Jashnani's concerns was also concerning, with some members allegedly insulting him and comparing him to a family member known for being difficult.
The International Disability Alliance and co-hosts Germany and Jordan have shown a willingness to work together towards creating a more equitable education system. However, this effort is not without its challenges, as seen in Jashnani's experience. The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates has also expressed opposition to moving special education services from the Education Department to Health and Human Services, citing concerns about a lack of expertise and knowledge about best practices and legal requirements.