African countries South of the Saharan Desert are predominately rural. A review of literature on current trends in special education in selected Sub-Saharan African countries indicates a changing attitude toward individuals with disabilities. Modern practices have been influenced by the development of basic education, the enactment of national policies, and heightened public awareness created by the United Nations' International Year (1981) and Decade of the Disabled (1981–1991). This work provides an overview of the historical development of special education in several Sub-Saharan countries, describes current conditions, and makes recommendations for further positive change.
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