The inclusion of visually impaired students in a Lebanese private school: A case study

Abstract

The current status of inclusive education for students with low vision in Lebanon is ambiguous. This is due to a scarcity of available studies on the topic. This paper aims to identify the opportunities and challenges pertaining to the proper implementation of inclusive education for this subgroup in Lebanon. Also, it aims to provide recommendations regarding the proper implementation of inclusive education, as well as overcoming the challenges identified. The paper begins with an introduction to the topic, portraying the importance of the study, and detailing its significance. A case study of one private school in Lebanon is presented, and interviews with 14 individuals with different titles are performed as per the qualitative research methodology. This will help to elucidate and clarify the opportunities and challenges of inclusive education. Interview results are presented in codified form, and are then discussed in reference to available literature to provide recommendations. These include, but are not limited to; increased governmental funding for inclusive education programs; increased teacher training in inclusive education; increased community involvement in the development of inclusive programs; and increased awareness regarding low vision and inclusive education in Lebanese communities.