Education and Disability in the Global South - by Nidhi Singal & Paul Lynch & Shruti Taneja Johansson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Education and Disability in the Global South brings together new and established researchers from a variety of disciplines to explore the complexities and dilemmas encountered in providing education to children and young people with disabilities in countries in South Asia and Africa.

Applying a range of methodological, theoretical and conceptual frameworks across different levels of education systems, from pre-school to higher education, the contributors examine not just the barriers but also the opportunities within the educational systems, in order to make strong policy recommendations.

Together, the chapters offer a comprehensive overview of a range of issues, including a nuanced appreciation of the tensions between the local and global in relation to key developments in the field, critiquing a globalized notion of inclusive education, as well as proposing new methodological advancements in taking the research agenda forward. Empirical insights are captured not just from the perspectives of educators but also through engaging with children and young people with disabilities, who are uniquely powerful in providing insights for future developments.

Review Quotes

A focus on, and perspective from the Global South is long overdue, and this volume is a timely introjection into the global conversations about education and disability. The authors harness diverse theoretical and methodological tools to tackle the complexity of educational contexts in which the local and the global are imbricated. Education and Disability in the Global South is a landmark publication which I expect will shift the field and create possibilities for new directions in theory and research.
Elizabeth Walton, Associate Professor in Special and Inclusive Education, University of Nottingham, UK and Visiting Associate Professor, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

A must-read book for researchers, practitioners and students keen to expand their understanding of past and current developments in the provision of quality education for young people with disabilities. With a focus on South Asia and Africa, this inter-disciplinary collection of essays and case studies offers fascinating and critical insight into the changing landscape of research in the field of education and disability. Ranging from global to local, this inquiring collection not only explores key conceptual and methodological challenges, but also highlights real opportunities for change, bringing to the fore the perspectives of teachers and young people. In doing so, this book provides an important counterbalance to deficit approaches to research, policy and programming.
Catherine M. Jere, Lecturer in Education and International Development, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom and Visiting Fellow, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Malawi

The book title promises new perspectives and succeeds: it shows how education of children with disabilities is part of the global education development. The fifteen chapters from diverse contexts clearly highlight the possibilities and encourage learning across contexts. The edited volume invites further empirical evidence, contributions, critical discussions and debates on education of children and youth with disabilities especially from the Southern contexts. My expectation (not hope!) is that this book will guide education development and advise those responsible for decisions, implementing quality education for all and monitoring progress globally as well as locally.
Elina Lehtomäki, Professor, Global Education, University of Oulu, Finland

About the Author

Nidhi Singal is Reader in the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge, UK.

Paul Lynch is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs at the School of Education, University of Birmingham, UK.

Shruti Taneja Johansson is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Education and Special Education at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.