A study by the Population Council, a non-governmental organisation, has confirmed that 66 percent of children with special needs in Addis Ababa have limited or no access to adequate educational opportunities, as reported by Ahadu Radio.

Getachew Teshome (PhD), director of the organisation, said the findings are based on a one-year, six-month assessment examining the overall situation of children requiring special support and other individuals with disabilities. “Children with special needs are entitled to learning opportunities, but most currently lack access,” he said.

The research also revealed disparities across regions. In Amhara, 8 percent of children with special needs have access to sufficient education, compared with 6 percent in Oromia.

According to the study, several factors contribute to these gaps, including limited government attention, shortages of trained teachers, inadequate transport services, and other structural obstacles that prevent children with disabilities from attending school.

Dr. Getachew emphasised that children requiring special support should receive continuous monitoring and targeted assistance to improve access to learning. The study further highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to support the daily educational activities of children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups across the country.