Context

The training is among the milestones expected from the ANSWER project (Advancing Inclusion for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education in Rwanda). The project is co-financed by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Programme and involves eight (8) partners from Europe and Rwanda, including INES-Ruhengeri.

ANSWER is a project that equips Rwandan higher education (HE) stakeholders with the necessary knowledge, skills, capacities, and technology to address the gap between policy and implementation in terms of inclusion, accessibility, and disability. We have identified a suitable environment for improvement, but the top-down regulatory framework at the HE level is in need of an urgent bottom-up development of contextualized policy intervention.

https://www.answer-project.eu/ 

https://answerproject.ines.ac.rw/

Objectives

●         Educating participants on the diverse range of disabilities, including both visible and invisible disabilities, and promote sensitivity towards the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities in higher education settings.

●         Equip participants with the knowledge and skills to implement inclusive teaching methods, accessible campus facilities, and support services that accommodate the diverse needs of students with disabilities.

●         Encourage participants, particularly university staff, local government officers, and NGOs, to work together to advocate for and support students with disabilities.

●         Address common misconceptions and biases about disability, promoting a shift in attitudes that fosters respect, dignity, and understanding.

Trainers

●         Mr. William NIYONZIMA, INES-Ruhengeri

●         Mr. Eustache MUNYANEZA, INES-Ruhengeri

●         Mrs Pauline AHIMANA, INES-Ruhengeri

Methodology

Eminently expository methodology and flexible didactic modality.

Includes: presentations, explanations, case studies, group dynamics, debates and discussions.

Learning outcomes

●         Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the different types of disabilities (both visible and invisible) and the legal frameworks that protect the rights of students with disabilities.

●         Participants will acquire practical skills to create accessible learning environments and provide necessary accommodations. This includes designing inclusive curricula, and adapting teaching and administrative practices to meet the needs of students with disabilities effectively.

●         Participants will leave the training with a stronger sense of empathy and advocacy for students with disabilities. They will be able to challenge stereotypes and stigma, actively promote inclusion within their institutions, and collaborate across different sectors to support disability rights and access to higher education.

Target group

●         Teaching and Administrative staff from INES-Ruhengeri that will help in raising inclusion and support to students with disability.

●          Students who may create social accessible environment and provide peer-to-peer support.

●         Local government officials and NGOs to do required advocacy to students with disabilities.

FROM

TO

CONTENT

08:00 – 8:25

Arrival & registration of participants

08:30

08:45

Welcoming speech & Introduction of ANSWER Project and training

Fr Dr Jean Bosco BARIBESHYA, Vice-Chancellor, INES-Ruhengeri

Mr MUNYANEZA Eustache, INES-Ruhengeri

08:45

08:55

Group photo

Mrs. Pauline AHIMANA

08:55

09:40

Introduction to Disabilities in the society

Mr. William NIYONZIMA, INES-Ruhengeri

09:40

10:25

Inclusive education and Accessibility

Mr. Eustache MUNYANEZA, INES-Ruhengeri

10:25

11:00

COFFEE BREAK

11:00

11:45

Mental Health and Invisible disabilities

Mr. William NIYONZIMA, INES-Ruhengeri

11:45

13:00

Groups discussion: “Barriers of students with disabilities to Access and Participation”

Moderators: Mr. Eustache MUNYANEZA & Mrs Pauline AHIMANA

13:00

14:00

LUNCH BREAK

14:00

14:45

Institutional policies and Legal framework on Disabilities

Mr. Eustache MUNYANEZA

14:45

15:30

The role of Student Support Centre (Support Services & Resources

Mr. William NIYONZIMA

15:30

16:30

Groups Discussion: Creating a Culture of Inclusion

Moderators: Mr. William NIYONZIMA & Mr. Fabrice NKURUNZIZA

                                                            End