I was very excited to discuss the topic of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as I have previously incorporated them in a Grade 4/5 Gifted classroom. I thought it was pretty amazing to read that the 2030 agenda was the first time in human history that we as human beings reached consensus on the future of development. As an educator, it was important for me to empower my students to be a part of this transformation by demonstrating that we are all responsible for our future. The social justice project required students to choose a specific goal and create a product/service to raise awareness about the issue. I was blown away by the engagement of students and their initiative to become active global citizens. At first, I didn’t see the connection between SDGs and students with special needs however, upon further investigation I realized that disability is referenced in various parts of the SDGs (for example, education, growth and employment, inequality, and accessibility of human settlements).
The following information was taken directly from the SDGs website to indicate a few examples of goals related to special education:
Goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of life-long learning opportunities for all focuses on eliminating gender disparities in education and ensuring equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities. In addition, the proposal calls for building and upgrading education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and also provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
In Goal 8: to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, the international community aims to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
Closely linked is Goal 10, which strives to reduce inequality within and among countries by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities.
Prior to the establishment of the SDGs, persons with disabilities were not included in many development initiatives and funding streams. I really enjoy the Disability Movement’s principle: “Nothing About Us Without Us” and am curious to hear what others think.
Resources:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Disability Enable. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/about-us/sustainable-development-goals-sdgs-and-disability.html.
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