MoES and Australia Collaborate on New Disability Inclusion Pilot in Xiangkhouang

Vientiane: The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), in collaboration with the Australian Government through the BEQUAL program, is set to launch the Research and Learning on Disability Inclusion pilot. An inception workshop will be conducted to introduce the Teacher Support Pack 14 (TSP 14) and Teacher Development Video 29 (TDV 29). According to Lao News Agency, the workshop will be led by Dr. Lamphoune Laungxay, Director General of the Department of Teacher and Educational Administration Development (DTEAD), and Ms. Rebecca McHugh, Team Leader of BEQUAL. Participants will include representatives from the Department of Teacher Development and Education Administration (DTDEA), the Department of General Education and Inclusive Education Promotion Center, and other educational and disability organizations. The objective is to confirm the research approach, discuss tools and timelines, and agree on roles and responsibilities for the implementation. The pilot will be implemented in a select number of primary schools in one district of Xiangkhouang province during the 2026-2027 academic year. It will focus on 18 students with disabilities, alongside their teachers and school communities, to gather evidence on the effectiveness of TSP 14 in real classroom environments and to identify the support teachers require for consistent use. Dr. Lamphoune Laungxay emphasized the pilot's significance in transforming inclusive education tools into practical classroom resources. TSP 14 and TDV 29 aim to assist teachers in identifying potential disabilities in students and applying straightforward strategies to support their learning. The pilot will provide insights into the tools' functionality in actual school settings and ways to enhance support for all learners. Ms. Rebecca McHugh highlighted the impact of equipping children with disabilities with essential skills like reading and writing. Such skills are crucial for their future employment and active participation in society. The Australian Government is committed to supp orting MoES in making inclusive education more practical and effective for all learners. TSP 14 offers teachers practical strategies for supporting students with disabilities, while TDV 29 provides guidance on recognizing behaviors indicative of disabilities and using the Child Functioning Module Teacher Version. The video aids teachers in making accurate observations and addressing each child's unique learning needs. The pilot will employ a mixed-method, case-based learning design, integrating classroom observations, teacher forms, learning plans, monitoring data, interviews, and focus group discussions. The research will also explore parent engagement, referrals, and the support available through school and district systems. Throughout the year, the iterative approach of reflection and adaptation will allow early insights to enhance implementation. This will help MoES and BEQUAL determine the tools' usefulness and the conditions necessary for their effective and sustainable application. The research aim s to identify barriers to learning that can be addressed through school-based adjustments and accommodations, as well as those requiring broader support such as referrals, assistive technology, or rehabilitation services. Ms. Rebecca McHugh expressed anticipation for the insights gained from the Xiangkhouang pilot, emphasizing the opportunity to strengthen inclusive education through practical tools and partnerships. Australia remains committed to collaborating with MoES to ensure every child has the opportunity for academic success. Dr. Lamphoune Laungxay concluded by expressing enthusiasm for the launch of the Disability Inclusion pilot and collaboration with partners to advance inclusive education in Laos. The lessons learned from schools, teachers, and communities will be instrumental in enhancing support for children with disabilities in the future.