Webinar report

On 21 October 2020 the Including Disability in Education in Africa (IDEA) Research Unit together with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) hosted a webinar titled “Disability Inclusion in Teacher Education and Development in South Africa”. The webinar was funded by the IDEA research unit and was attended by over 200 participants through the course of the morning and early afternoon.

Following the welcome address by Dr Bernard Rey from the European Union, Associate Professor Judith McKenzie, Director of IDEA at UCT, gave an opening address on the place of disability inclusion within inclusive education. This was followed by an address by Dr Danielle Cowley, Associate Professor Special Education Graduate Faculty, College of Education Associate Faculty, Teacher Education, University of Northern Iowa in the United States of America on teacher education for both special and inclusive education.  

The webinar then had multiple forums (including presentations and panel discussions) to discuss, explore and showcase what is happening in disability inclusion in teacher education in South Africa.

Ms Michelle Mathey, Director Teacher Education University Branch, Department of Higher Education and Training, closed the very stimulating, dynamic and successful webinar.

It is hoped that this initial webinar will act as a catalyst for further involvement and discussion on this very important issue within education in South Africa.

Watch the webinar here

Part 1:

Part 2:

Image by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay