Improved data collection strengthens inclusive education policies
UNESCO highlights that better information systems are essential for ensuring inclusive education for students with disabilities. Through the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Monitoring Framework for SDG 4, countries have made significant progress in collecting and reporting data on disability in education. The article emphasizes that reliable and comparable information allows governments to identify barriers, measure inequalities, and design evidence-based policies that promote equal learning opportunities for all students.
More countries are adopting standardized disability measurement tools
A major regional achievement has been the growing use of the Washington Group Child Functioning Module, an internationally recognized tool for identifying children with disabilities. According to UNESCO, eleven countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have already incorporated this methodology into household surveys or educational data systems. This progress has improved the availability of disability-disaggregated data and strengthened countries’ ability to monitor participation, access, and educational outcomes among students with disabilities.
Remaining challenges require stronger monitoring and inclusion efforts
Despite recent advances, UNESCO notes that important gaps remain in the collection and use of disability-related educational data. Many countries still face difficulties in producing regular, comprehensive, and comparable statistics that can guide decision-making. The article stresses that improving monitoring systems is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 and ensuring that learners with disabilities are not left behind. Better information, UNESCO argues, is a necessary foundation for building more inclusive and equitable education systems.
Reference
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (2026, may 15). Better information for inclusive education: Regional progress in monitoring students with disabilities. UNESCO. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/better-information-inclusive-education-regional-progress-monitoring-students-disabilities