Creation of a Disability and Inclusion Policy & Pedagogical manual of Inclusive Education Approaches

1-Background

The consultancy takes place under the "Youth with Disabilities (YwD)" project, co-funded by DCI and implemented in partnership between Asmae (INGO) and its local partner SCALE (2022-2025). The project has focused on promoting inclusive socio-economic development for youth, including youth with disabilities, in Chouf area. The project was initially planned to conclude by the end of February 2025, but in June 2024, while DCI informed Asmae that the project will not be renewed for a second phase, a proposed fund was allocated to implement an exit strategy by the end of the project which ensures a smoother transition for SCALE and maintains the project's impact.

Therefore, Asmae with SCALE together initiated an exit strategy process, set to begin on March 1^st, 2025, and conclude by the end of June 2025. This process will focus on ensuring the sustainability of the project’s outcomes and facilitating a smooth transition of responsibilities to local stakeholders. This strategy outlines key pillars that will guide SCALE in continuing its mission independently, ensuring that the work carried out under the YwD project remains impactful.

• One of the pillars concerns the Creation of a Disability and Inclusion Policy & Pedagogical manual of Inclusive Education Approaches, object of the present terms of reference.

Implementing partners

Asmae-Association Soeur Emmannuelle is a French international NGO, specializing in child and youth development. Independent, secular, and apolitical, it is open to all. Founded in 1980 by Sister Emmanuelle, based on her experience with rag pickers in the slums of Cairo,. Asmae's actions aim to support vulnerable children, youth and their families through personalized and continuing support for local actors working in the fields of education and child protection. Asmae has been operating in Lebanon through local partners since 1986. The organization is currently collaborating with five Lebanese NGOs, working in and around Beirut, Naher El Bared, Mount Lebanon (Chouf), and Ain El Helwe camps, with some activities also taking place in other parts of Lebanon.

SCALE by NRDC (National Rehabilitation & Development Center) is the main partner for this project. It has provided people with disabilities with a range of medical, social, and educational services since its inception in 1986. The Technical Institute was launched in 2018 to offer technical education in an inclusive environment. NRDC's main areas of interventions are: Education, Healthcare, Child Protection, Social Integration, Disabilities, Training, Capacity Building, Case Management, Technical and Vocational Training, Learning Disabilities, Rehabilitation, and Therapies. On the 8th of November,2022 NRDC changed the name of the Center to SCALE (Specialize Center for Accessible Learning and Education)

2-Rationale

SCALE has built its identity around Inclusive Education and disability inclusion, positioning itself as a key advocate for the rights and educational needs of children and youth with disabilities. However, to ensure long-term impact, these principles must be systematically embedded within the organization’s structure and operational framework. Institutionalizing inclusion through clear policies and pedagogical guidelines will enhance coherence, consistency, and sustainability across SCALE’s programs and interventions.

To achieve this, the development of a Disability and Inclusion Policy will serve as a foundational document, establishing a unified vision, objectives, and guidelines for mainstreaming disability inclusion at all levels of the organization. This policy will provide a structured approach to ensure that all programs, services, and internal processes align with best practices in inclusive education and disability rights.

Complementing this, the creation of a Pedagogical Manual on Inclusive Education Approaches will equip educators and program staff with practical methodologies, tools, and strategies to effectively implement inclusive teaching practices. This manual will serve as a reference guide, fostering a shared understanding of inclusive education principles and ensuring that SCALE's interventions meet diverse learning needs.

To reinforce these efforts, a Training of Trainers (ToT) program will be conducted for 10 SCALE’s staff, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement the policy and pedagogical manual effectively. This capacity-building initiative will not only enhance staff competencies but also create internal expertise that can be leveraged for continuous learning, mentorship, and knowledge dissemination within the organization and among its new staff/ educators.

3-Overview:

The consultancy aims to address gaps in disability inclusion and institutionalize inclusive practices across SCALE’s operations, SCALE is seeking a consultant with specialized expertise in disability inclusion, Gender and inclusive education. The consultant will be engaged to develop a Disability and Inclusion Policy and a Pedagogical Manual of Inclusive Education Approaches, ensuring that inclusivity is a core component of SCALE’s educational services and overall mission. Concluding this consultancy by providing a ToT for SCALE staff on the manual and approaches.

The primary objective of the consultancy is to integrate disability inclusion across SCALE’s operations and equip educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to deliver high-quality inclusive education. The consultancy must adopt a participatory approach, taking into consideration SCALE’s needs, wishes and specificities in each step and for each deliverable. It will require field visits to SCALE’s center, to develop tailored documents.

The consultant will develop:

Disability and Inclusion Policy

• Conduct a desk review of international best practices and relevant disability inclusion policies and international standards.
• Assess SCALE’s existing policies to identify gaps in disability inclusion.
• Provide guidance and assistance regarding missing policy components.
• Engage with key stakeholders (educators, social workers, and management) to gather insights on challenges and requirements.
• Develop a comprehensive Disability and Inclusion Policy that aligns with international standards and SCALE’s specific needs.
• Present the draft policy for review, integrate feedback, and finalize the document

 Pedagogical Manual of Inclusive Education Approaches

• Assess current inclusive education practices within SCALE through consultations and classroom observations.
• Develop a Pedagogical Manual outlining effective approaches and techniques for educators to support students with disabilities in both Arabic and English
• Ensure the manual includes practical tools, case studies, and classroom strategies tailored to SCALE’s context.
• Present the draft manual for review, incorporate feedback, and finalize the document.

Training of Trainers (ToT) Program

• Design a ToT program (in Arabic and English) for SCALE staff covering both the Disability and Inclusion Policy and the Pedagogical Manual.
• Deliver training sessions to key personnel to ensure internal knowledge transfer and sustainability.
• Guide integrating the manual into SCALE’s onboarding process for new educators.
• Provide Coaching sessions if needed for the relevant Staff on the Inclusion policy and Pedagogical Manual

4-Deliverables:

• Inception Report: detailing the methodology, work plan, and timelines.
• Draft Disability and Inclusion Policy, including key recommendations aligned with international standards.
• Final Disability and Inclusion Policy, incorporating feedback from SCALE, Asmae amd stakeholders.
• Draft Pedagogical Manual of Inclusive Education Approaches, featuring practical strategies and case studies.
• Final Pedagogical Manual, ready for implementation after the revision from the partners and Asmae (Arabic and English)
• Training of Trainers (ToT) Report – including training materials, session outlines, and evaluation findings
• Comprehensive final report

5-Timeline:

Week 1: Inception phase and stakeholder consultations.

Week 2: Drafting of the Disability and Inclusion Policy.

Week 3-4: Drafting of the Pedagogical Manual.

Week 5: Finalization and submission of deliverables (Inclusion Policy and Pedagogical Manual)

Week 6: Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions.

Week 7: Final consultancy draft report

Week 8: Final report

6-Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Education, Social Sciences, Special Education, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in disability inclusion and inclusive education.
• Proven expertise in policy development and pedagogical manual creation.
• Strong understanding of international disability inclusion frameworks.
• Experience in conducting training and capacity-building initiatives.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• TOT certification is desirable