Key terms

Education in emergencies
refers to programmes that provide learning opportunities in situations of crisis to people of all ages. Programmes offered include early childhood development, primary, secondary, non-formal, technical, vocational, higher and adult education. Education in emergencies provides physical, psychosocial and cognitive protection that can sustain and save lives. It is essential in situations of conflict, violence, forced displacement, disasters and public health emergencies. Conceptually, ‘education in emergencies’ is broader than, but also an essential element of, an ‘emergency education response’.115
Inclusive education systems
include all students and welcome and support them, regardless of background, capacities or requirements. To meet this aim, teaching, curricula, school buildings, classrooms, play areas, transport and toilets must be appropriate for all children at all levels. Inclusive education means that all children learn together in the same schools.116
Special education
provides education to children with disabilities in a segregated learning environment, such as a special school or centre, which is often isolated from the community, other children and mainstream schools.117 Special schools are usually organized by impairment (for example, schools for the blind or deaf).118
Learners
refers to those who are enrolled or engaged in educational activities, and also potential learners who may currently be excluded. Learners with disabilities include women, men, girls and boys. They may be in any type of formal or non-formal education: from early childhood care and development programmes, in primary, secondary or tertiary education, or on vocational or lifelong learning courses.
Teachers
include trained educators directly involved in teaching students. They can be classroom teachers, special education teachers, or other types of teachers. They may work with students in a whole class in a classroom, in small groups in a resource room, or one-to-one inside or outside a regular classroom.119
Accessibility
applies to buildings, information, communication, curricula, educational materials (including textbooks), teaching methods, assessment, language, support services, school transport, water and sanitation, school cafeterias and recreational spaces.