Guarantee of Comprehensive Education for Children with Disabilities in Albania

Nejla Peka
Luarasi University

Abstract

The Convention "On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" provides for the right of persons with disabilities to an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families, including adequate food, clothing and housing, as well as the right to continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties have the obligation to take appropriate steps to protect and improve the realization of this right without discrimination, due to disability, to ensure the access of persons with disabilities and their families, who live in conditions of poverty, in the assistance provided by the State to cover expenses related to disability, etc. In particular, States Parties to the Convention must guarantee the health services that persons with disabilities need because of their disability, including early identification and intervention as appropriate, as well as tailored services to minimize and prevent the worsening of disabilities, including children. Creating a safe and healthy environment for children is also one of the main objectives of sustainable development of the UN (Agenda 2030 of SDG-es). Likewise, our legislation clearly defines that the best interest of the child means the right of the child to have a healthy physical, mental, moral, spiritual and social development, as well as to enjoy a family and social life suitable for the child. In the implementation of this principle, the child's needs for physical and psychological development, education and health, safety and stability, as well as growth/belonging in a family, the ability of parents or persons who care for the child's well-being are evaluated and must be taken into account to respond to the child's needs. The study employs a mixed methodology, comprising a review of the legislation, institutional framework and of the relevant literature in the field of social cohesion, health, education and child protection concerning the right of children with disabilities to benefit from social services, according to the needs determined by the responsible disability assessment structures. The findings of this paper are supported in prior research and original data from field expertise in analyzing the responsible of the state authorities for taking the necessary measures concerning these services in such a way that they are offered as close to the child as possible and for free, whenever possible and, taking into account the economic situation of the parent or guardian.

Presentation