An evaluation of policies and programmes related to children with disabilities in Botswana/ Alom Shuma

Globally, most children with disabilities are neglected by society. Research shows that the majority of the world's 450 million people with disabilities are found in developing countries (Sullivan and Knutson, 1998 and 2000). This study seeks to: (a) identify available programmes of education and policies that are aimed at helping children with disabilities in schools; (b) determine the nature of services that are available to disabled children in schools; and (c) determine some strategies that the government and society can use to help children with disabilities in Botswana schools. A qualitative, explorative and contextual research design was used for this research. Data were collected using a document analysis from the Revised National Policy of 1994, in which the Special Education Policy is set out; the Botswana Population Census of 1991; and the Botswana Centre for the Disabled News Letter of 1999. Researchers collected data from these documents by making detailed notes. The study found that there are too few schools, and inadequate facilities, for children with disabilities in Botswana.