An inclusive education for students with visual impairments in Lao People's Democratic Republic: Qualitative study

Yangxia Lee , Tavee Cheausuwantavee , Kelly Roberts
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20372/dcidj.668
Submitted: 2022-12-08 10:11:29
Published: 2023-09-01
Aim: This study aims to explore teachers’, students’ and parents’ perspectives on practices used in inclusive education (IE) settings for students with visual impairments (SWVIs). The perspectives were then used to create a proposed suitable IE model for those students in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Methods: Qualitative study was designed. Data were collected through focus groups, in-depth interviews, and non-participatory observations among 20 participants including teachers, parents and SWVIs. Results: The results showed that inclusive education has been prioritized, special schools or centers have been still needed but for teaching Braille and completing grades 1 and 2 before entering the neighboring inclusive primary schools. IE policy exists but guidelines for implementation are missing and coordination and cooperation among stakeholders’ is poor. Conclusion and implementation: The proposed IE model should be consisted of clear policy and implementation guidelines as well as cooperation and support among stakeholders.

Keywords

Inclusive education perspectives visual impairments disability Lao PDR.

Authors

Yangxia Lee
Ms. Yangxia Lee is a Ph.D. candidate in Quality of Life Development for Persons with Disabilities Program at Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University, Thailand. She is Laotian, worked as teacher in primary and secondary schools, Ministry of Education and Sports. She also worked with UNESCO Regional and UNICEF. She is working at the moment for the United Nation World Food Programme as the manager of the School Lunch Programme including inclusive aspect
Tavee Cheausuwantavee
Dr. Tavee Cheausuwantavee is a professor at Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University, Thailand. He is also a director of Ph.D. Program in Quality Life Development for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and a former dean of Ratchasuda College. He had worked at Center on Disability Studies (CDS), University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar. He also had ever been an UNESCAP Expert in action research on disability, poverty and livelihoods.
Kelly Roberts
Dr. Kelly Roberts is a professor and the Executive Director of the Institute of Human Development at Northern Arizona University, USA. She has worked in the disability field for over 30 years. Her work has included teaching in inclusive settings, research related to individuals with disabilities, and transition from high school to postsecondary education.

How to Cite

Yangxia Lee, Tavee Cheausuwantavee, Kelly Roberts (2023-09-01). An inclusive education for students with visual impairments in Lao People's Democratic Republic: Qualitative study. Disability, CBR & Inclusive Development, Vol. 34 No. 1 (2023): Spring Issue, 77-97. https://doi.org/10.20372/dcidj.668

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