Twenty years after the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, inclusive education continues to be one of the key commitments to ensuring the equal participation of every child.

In 2006, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – a landmark document that affirms the right of persons with disabilities to participate fully and equally in all areas of public life.

For the National Association of Resource Teachers (NART), this anniversary is an opportunity to place a special emphasis on every child’s right to quality, accessible and inclusive education.

Inclusion begins where a child crosses the threshold of an educational institution. It does not simply mean that the child is present in the classroom, but that they have the opportunity to participate, develop, receive support and feel part of the educational community.

This is precisely where resource teachers and specialists supporting children’s personal development play a vital role. Every day, they work together with teachers, parents and other professionals to overcome barriers to participation and learning and to create the conditions for every child to develop and reach their potential.

For NART, the 20th anniversary of the Convention is not only an opportunity to reflect, but also a chance to highlight the need for the sustainable development of inclusive education in Bulgaria, adequate support for professionals, and policies that place the child at the centre.

Because behind every policy are real children, families and professionals.

And true inclusion is measured not only by whether a child attends kindergarten or school, but by whether they have the opportunity to participate, to be heard and to reach their full potential.

Twenty years on, the message is clear:

Inclusion is not a privilege. It is a right.

And the resource teacher is part of the journey towards making that right a reality.

National Association of Resource Teachers (NART)