ANSWER Project Launches Pilot Training on Disabilities and Inclusion at INES-Ruhengeri

On October 30, 2024, INES-Ruhengeri hosted its first pilot training session titled "Understanding Disabilities and Inclusion in Higher Education." The event gathered academic staff, administrative personnel, students, local government representatives, and NGO partners.

Dr. Aline Dorimana, representing the Vice-Chancellor, opened the training by emphasizing the importance of inclusion. She thanked the ANSWER Project for its focus on disabilities, highlighting that many people confuse disability with inability and expressing hope that the training would clarify this distinction.

The training covered several key topics:

• Introduction to Disabilities in Society — Mr. William Niyonzima explained the fundamentals of disability, addressing common misconceptions and defining disability as any condition that limits a person's ability to interact with the world.

• Inclusive Education and Accessibility — Mr. Eustache Munyaneza discussed how inclusive education creates an environment where all students can participate, emphasizing the need for accessibility.

• Mental Health and Invisible Disabilities — Mr. William Niyonzima explored the link between mental health and disabilities, highlighting the challenges of invisible disabilities that significantly impact students' academic performance.

• Institutional Policies and Legal Framework on Disabilities — The importance of robust policies supporting students with disabilities was emphasized to ensure equal access to education.

• The Role of the Student Support Centre — Participants learned how student support services can improve the academic experience for students with disabilities through resources and advocacy.

The training fostered active engagement, with participants asking questions and sharing perspectives on supporting students with disabilities.

The ANSWER Project aims to enhance accessibility and inclusion at INES-Ruhengeri, the University of Rwanda, and East African University Rwanda, equipping these institutions with the skills, knowledge, and technology needed to support students with disabilities effectively.