EDS4803
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 686897
DUE DATE: 25 JULY 2025
, Effective strategies for inclusion
Question 1: Rights-Based Approach in Inclusive Education
“Several educational approaches have been developed to support learners with
disabilities.” Critically discuss this statement, with specific reference to the
Rights-Based Approach.
[10 marks]
A variety of educational approaches exist to accommodate learners with disabilities,
among which the Rights-Based Approach (RBA) stands as the most transformative.
Unlike deficit or medical models that locate the problem within the learner, the RBA
views disability as a social and rights issue, requiring systemic reform to remove
exclusionary barriers (United Nations, 2006).
The RBA is firmly grounded in international human rights instruments, especially the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Article 24 of the UNCRPD asserts that states must ensure inclusive education systems
at all levels and support lifelong learning. In the South African context, this aligns with
Education White Paper 6 (Department of Education, 2001), which aims to build a
single, inclusive education system that accommodates diversity.
This approach ensures learners are not merely placed in mainstream schools but are
meaningfully included, with support structures such as curriculum differentiation,
assistive technologies, and teacher development (Florian & Black-Hawkins, 2011).
Furthermore, the RBA promotes values of equity, dignity, and participation, affirming
the learner's right to access, be accepted, and succeed in educational spaces.
Nevertheless, full realization of this model is hindered by factors such as under-trained
teachers, poor implementation strategies, and a lack of accountability at school and
policy levels (Engelbrecht & Green, 2017). These structural issues must be addressed
for RBA principles to be effectively embedded in schools.
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 686897
DUE DATE: 25 JULY 2025
, Effective strategies for inclusion
Question 1: Rights-Based Approach in Inclusive Education
“Several educational approaches have been developed to support learners with
disabilities.” Critically discuss this statement, with specific reference to the
Rights-Based Approach.
[10 marks]
A variety of educational approaches exist to accommodate learners with disabilities,
among which the Rights-Based Approach (RBA) stands as the most transformative.
Unlike deficit or medical models that locate the problem within the learner, the RBA
views disability as a social and rights issue, requiring systemic reform to remove
exclusionary barriers (United Nations, 2006).
The RBA is firmly grounded in international human rights instruments, especially the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Article 24 of the UNCRPD asserts that states must ensure inclusive education systems
at all levels and support lifelong learning. In the South African context, this aligns with
Education White Paper 6 (Department of Education, 2001), which aims to build a
single, inclusive education system that accommodates diversity.
This approach ensures learners are not merely placed in mainstream schools but are
meaningfully included, with support structures such as curriculum differentiation,
assistive technologies, and teacher development (Florian & Black-Hawkins, 2011).
Furthermore, the RBA promotes values of equity, dignity, and participation, affirming
the learner's right to access, be accepted, and succeed in educational spaces.
Nevertheless, full realization of this model is hindered by factors such as under-trained
teachers, poor implementation strategies, and a lack of accountability at school and
policy levels (Engelbrecht & Green, 2017). These structural issues must be addressed
for RBA principles to be effectively embedded in schools.
