The right to an elementary education is universally recognised and accepted as a basic human right (United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights), yet in Bangladesh very few disabled children have the opportunity of an education. Mainstream schools have neither the facilities nor the expertise to enable disabled children to attend. This is detrimental not only to the individual children but also to the long-term future of the country. The skills and potential of disabled children are not fulfilled and in most cases disabled children grow up to be seen as burdens on society rather than participating in the development of the community and the nation.
CRP has operated a special needs school at its Savar headquarters since 1993. However, recognising the shortcomings of a segregated educational system, CRP began construction of an inclusive school building in 2003. This new school combines CRP's special needs students and students from CRP's mainstream school which accommodates children of staff members and local children. By mixing and interacting with disabled children at an early age many of the barriers and superstitions surrounding disability will be broken down, leading to a more tolerant and understanding society. An inclusive educational environment also enables children with special needs to access a level of education suitable for their capabilities and to have the same access to sporting, recreational and extra-curricular activities as those attending mainstream schools.
CRP also promotes inclusive education with government agencies and through its Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) activities.
CRP's school is named the "William and Marie Taylor School" and is located within CRP-Savar. Children with special needs are accommodated in four classrooms within the same building as other children. The possibility of being integrated into a mainstream classroom exists within the school. In the past many students of CRP's special needs school have been integrated into mainstream schools across Bangladesh.