Fast Facts
The challenge
For nearly 240 million children living with disabilities globally, technology has the potential to revolutionise access to education, fostering independence, agency, and social inclusion. Yet, despite its promise, EdTech remains underutilised for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Our role
Evidence on the effective use of EdTech for learners with SEND remains limited, as well as guidance on balancing cost, and strategic implementation, which contributes to its underuse in many contexts. EdTech Hub’s SEND work looks to fill strategic priority evidence gaps. We are working hands-on with decision makers in Ghana and Malawi to understand how technology can be used to ensure learners with neurodivergent conditions and learning difficulties receive quality education, and to support teachers and caregivers to support the diverse needs of learners with SEND.
Activities
EdTech Hub has contributed evidence to address gaps for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and our current work includes:
- Reviewing the use of EdTech to support neurodivergent learners, particularly in LMICs.
- Producing a policy brief on Ghana’s Inclusive Education Policy.
- Supporting the development of tech-enabled screening and remote teacher support in Ghana.
- Co-developing a learning agenda in Malawi for EdTech for SEND.
- Supporting a pilot in Malawi bite-sized, personalised video content focused on improving teacher performance, including their awareness of SEND conditions.
About SEND for EdTech
While EdTech holds promise for learners with special needs and disabilities, evidence remains limited, particularly when it comes to learners with neurodivergent conditions and learning differences.
Many educators may not feel adequately equipped to support learners with SEND, and often lack clear guidance on how to engage with these students. Caregivers and the wider community may also have limited awareness of how best to provide support. EdTech has the potential to help improve understanding of SEND and offer practical ways to better support learners in accessing a quality education.
Millions of learners with SEND risk being left behind, deepening inequalities and excluding entire communities from quality education. EdTech offers some powerful tools but more evidence is needed to ensure EdTech can be used to bridge this gap.
EdTech Hub’s Work
Our focus is on bridging the evidence gap by providing insights that help decision-makers improve the assessment of learning and behavioural needs, ensuring that more learners can benefit from tailored interventions.
We also aim to empower decision-makers with the information they need to support teachers and caregivers, enabling them to confidently assist learners with special educational needs and disabilities and create an inclusive environment for all.
At the national level, we collaborate with governments to strengthen policies and programmes in low- and middle-income countries, using evidence to ensure these initiatives effectively address the needs of learners and leave no child behind.
Real Voice: Making Education Policy Work for Learners with SEND
In this clip from our SEND workshop in Malawi, a local education practitioner shares why it’s vital to include learners with special educational needs and disabilities in education policy and strategy. Their insights highlight the importance of inclusive policies that ensure no learner is left behind.
Insights and Evidence
We need more country-wide research on EdTech, that can bring us a situational analysis of how EdTech is being used, designed, developed and implemented…I would love this to focus on EdTech for teacher training, and curriculum development to support learners with various disabilities.”
– Jenipher Mbukwa Ngwira, lecturer on SEND, Malawi
EdTech for Learners With Hearing and Visual Impairments
A Rapid Evidence Review for the Southeast Asian Region.
All Resources on SEND
Frequently Asked Questions on EdTech for SEND
What is EdTech Hub’s role in supporting SEND learners?
We focus on bridging evidence gaps to drive innovation and scalability of EdTech solutions in SEND education in LMICs.
How can organisations collaborate with EdTech Hub?
We are looking for partners and collaborators that align with our mission to address SEND challenges. Get in touch to explore opportunities.
What are the biggest challenges in EdTech for SEND?
Learners have diverse, context-specific needs, and there is a critical need for evidence that addresses these challenges, particularly in LMICs. SEND learners need support that takes a holistic approach to their learning experience. EdTech has an important role to play, but must also consider how to make smart investments, sustainable and scalable implementation, and effective policy development to maximise its impact.
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