Assistive technology provision at mainstream schools—Experiences of Serbian resource centers

Abstract

Background: Over the last 15 years, inclusive education has been formally established in Serbia as a mandatory approach for all students, ensuring equal rights and access to education without discrimination on any grounds. In addition to mainstream schools, Serbia also has special schools for students with developmental challenges and disabilities. Although some special schools in Serbia have been functioning as resource centers (RCs) for a long time now, 13 RCs have only recently been officially established, aiming to support inclusive education through assistive technology (AT) among other things. Objective: The research reported in this study was conducted within a project that aims to address challenges in implementing and improving inclusive education in the Republic of Serbia, focusing on the existing capacities and difficulties in how RCs provide AT services to mainstream schools to offer a set of recommendations to inform the development of RCs in the country. Method: A SWOT analysis involving 80 respondents was conducted. Fifty-three respondents completed a questionnaire online, while further 27 respondents participated in five focus groups. Groups involved experts working in the RCs, suppliers and manufacturers of AT, parents of persons with disabilities, and expert associates from mainstream schools. The data was analyzed using a SWOT framework. Results: The respondents reported that human capacities (e.g., motivation and experience) were the main strength. Weaknesses included lack of specific and modern knowledge about working with children with different conditions, as well as specific knowledge about the AT itself. Intersectoral cooperation was pointed out as the main opportunity, while obstacles were recognized in almost all work segments (lack of finances, lack of staff, lack of adequate legal regulations and communication and cooperation). Conclusion: Based on the results achieved, potential solutions for overcoming the existing obstacles in resource centers were proposed.