Kyambogo University will host the 1st East African Conference on Disability Inclusive Higher Education from November 13th to 14th, 2024. Spearheaded by the university’s Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation, the conference aims to address the pressing need for more inclusive higher education systems across East Africa.
Theme and Focus
The conference theme, “Universities of all and for All: Innovative and Transformative Strategies for Disability Inclusion in Higher Education,” highlights the importance of inclusivity and equal access to education for all students, regardless of their abilities. This gathering of key stakeholders will focus on fostering strategies that remove barriers to education for people with disabilities.
Conference Leadership
The conference is convened by Dr. Patrick Ojok, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer and Dean of the Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation at Kyambogo University. The event will be chaired by Associate Professor Willy Ngaka, Ph.D., who is also a prominent figure in inclusive education at Kyambogo.
Why This Conference Matters
According to WHO (2023), an estimated 1.3 billion people globally are living with significant disabilities, and many of them face immense barriers to higher education. While international human rights law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), recognizes the right to education for all, students with disabilities continue to face discrimination and exclusion.
In Africa, the situation remains dire. The Disability Equality Index Report (2023) reveals that African countries, including Uganda, rank low in terms of disability inclusion in education. Uganda, for example, ranks at only 2 out of 5, with Kenya and Tanzania both at 1. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education by 2030, still seems far from being achieved.
Conference Objectives
The 1st East African Conference on Disability Inclusive Higher Education seeks to address these challenges through dialogue, research, and policy development. The key objectives of the conference are:
- Reviving and elevating the defunct East African Linkage on Inclusive Education into a regular platform for engagement and collaboration.
- Creating awareness of the moral and legal responsibilities of higher education leaders toward an inclusive system.
- Exploring strategies for disability inclusion in higher education, including administrative, pedagogical, and leadership innovations.
- Sharing research findings, best practices, and policies that promote disability inclusion in higher education.
Target Audience
The conference invites a wide range of participants, including:
- Academics and researchers from universities and research institutions
- Practitioners in the field of education
- Development partners and policymakers
- Interested members of the public
Sub-Themes
A variety of sub-themes will be discussed during the conference, including:
- Higher education policies and legal landscapes
- Curriculum design, teaching methods, and assessments for inclusive education
- Disability support services in universities
- The role of technology, including artificial intelligence, in promoting inclusion
- Research partnerships and collaborations for inclusive education
Keynote Speakers
The conference will feature distinguished keynote speakers from across Africa, including:
- Professor George Laadah Openjuru, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, Uganda, and African Educationist of the Year 2023.
- Professor Tsitsi Chataika, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the University of Zimbabwe, and a renowned expert in inclusive education and disability advocacy.
- Professor Alemayehu Teklemariam, Ph.D., from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, who has over three decades of experience in special needs education.
Important Dates
- Call for Abstracts: July 14th, 2024
- Deadline for Abstract Submission: August 11th, 2024
- Acceptance Notifications: August 25th, 2024
- Full Paper Submission: October 15th, 2024
Join us for an exclusive Pre-Conference Dinner on November 12th, 2024 at Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz, Uganda. This special event is by invitation only, offering a unique opportunity to network with key leaders and experts ahead of the main conference.
Registration and Fees
The conference offers both virtual and in-person participation options. Early bird registration is open until September 15th, 2024, with regular registration closing on November 5th, 2024. Fees are structured as follows:
- Students: Early bird $40, Regular $50
- East African Academics: Early bird $80, Regular $100
- International Academics: Early bird $130, Regular $150
Join the Movement
This landmark event offers a unique platform for stakeholders to come together and forge actionable strategies to make higher education truly inclusive. By attending, participants will not only contribute to important discussions but also be part of a broader movement that seeks to transform higher education in East Africa.
For more information, visit the conference website or register now.
Stay updated by following the Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation on Twitter/X: @Kyambogo_FSNR.
For inquiries, please contact:
- Conference Secretariat: Dr. Sumani Michael David, Ph.D., Phone: (+256) 702 423 880, Email: msumani@kyu.ac.ug
- Publicity Team: Email: fsnrkyu@kyu.ac.ug
