Key Factors Shaping Families’ Views About the School Enrolment of Children with Disabilities

Abstract

All children deserve the right to receive an education regardless of race, ethnicity, or ability. Many children worldwide are deprived of attending school due to various issues, such as marginalization, economic conditions, and social problems. Statistics indicate that the school enrolment rate for children with disabilities is low, and the dropout rate is increasing. One way to address this issue is by studying families’ views on the school enrolment of their children with disabilities. Understandably, parents' views on schooling impact their children's school enrolment. Therefore, this literature review explores the factors that influence families’ views on the school enrolment of their children with disabilities. It is crucial to examine these influencing factors to understand what precisely impacts the decision to send their children with disabilities to school. Previous literature on this subject revealed that families’ views about the school enrolment of their children with disabilities were significantly affected by the quality of institutions, accessibility, inclusive practices, availability of professional staff, attitude of society, community support, and a family’s economic conditions. Additionally, families that experienced self-stigma formed negative views regarding the school enrolment of their children with disabilities. This knowledge will assist educators, policymakers, school leaders, and families in recognizing the importance of certain key factors and the need to adjust specific actions accordingly.