Supporting Young Children with Disabilities in Humanitarian Settings
The Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) Early Childhood Development Task Team is pleased to invite you to join a webinar on supporting young children with disabilities in humanitarian settings.
From prenatal development to eight years of age, the first years of life are a critical period. The rapid neurological and physical growth that occurs at this stage provides an opportunity to influence and improve developmental outcomes that may impact the entire course of an individual's life.
Addressing the developmental needs of children with disabilities during this critical period is essential if they are to survive, flourish, learn, be empowered, and participate in society alongside their peers. Accordingly, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) state that all children with disabilities have the right to develop "to the maximum extent possible".
Recognizing the importance of addressing all children's unique needs and acknowledging the influence of social stigma and misconceptions about disability that may lead to underdeveloped potential and social exclusion, we seek to advocate for and support the inclusion of young children with disabilities in Early Childhood Development in Emergencies programming.
The webinar will be moderated by Rosangela Berman Bieler, UNICEF’s Global Advisor on Disability, and will include brief presentations on foundational concepts for disabilities-inclusive programming, and alternatives to address young children with disabilities needs. We will also reserve time for Q&A and discussion.
Panelists:
- Suzanne Zuidema, Early Childhood and Disability-Inclusion specialist, Independent Advisor
- Fiona Beckerlegge, Clinical Director, Kyaninga Child Development Centre
- Deborah Rodríguez, Manager, Education - International Social Impact, Sesame Workshop
If you have any questions about the webinar, contact earlychildhood@inee.org
This web event will be conducted in English with closed captioning in English and simultaneous interpretation in American Sign Language.