Facilitating individuals with specific learning disorders in Sri Lanka and Czech Republic

Abstract

Individuals with specific learning disorders often leave school with fewer qualifications and mostly become unemployed or economically inactive, if they are not sufficiently supported. In addition, they face numerous obstacles and challenges in their life due to their disability. Therefore, it is important to provide appropriate support to overcome their barriers in learning and to succeed in their lives. There is no sufficient expertise and services currently available in Sri Lanka to support individuals with specific learning disabilities effectively. Efforts to support the education of individuals with specific learning disabilities are underlined in the Czech Education Act and it can be identified that there are many effective services and facilities available for students with learning disabilities in the Czech Republic, compared to Sri Lanka. Consequently, this review article attempts to examine the health and special educational facilities and supportive services provided for individuals with specific learning disorders in Czech Republic and Sri Lanka with the intention of providing many valid recommendations for Sri Lanka to develop and improve the healthcare and special education systems for individuals with learning disabilities.