What has worked for bringing out-of-school children with disabilities into regular schools? A literature review

Abstract

Purpose: A literature review was undertaken to determine (a) what is currently being done to bring out-of-school children into schools and retain them there; (b) what has succeeded in bringing out-of-school children into schools and retaining them; and (c) what is being done to bring out-of-school children with disabilities into schools? Methods: Various databases were searched to identify relevant articles for the review. Only articles published after the year 2000 were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 23 articles were reviewed. The review identified economical, socio-cultural and school-related variables that contribute to children being excluded from schooling. Various strategies that have worked to bring out-of-school children into schools include alternative education, rebates and incentives, and community awareness programmes. Conclusions and Implications: The review found that there is insufficient research on out-of-school children with disabilities. However, research on the population of children without disabilities has implications that can be relevant to children with disabilities.