About the Global Resource Center

The Global Resource Center for Inclusive Education (GRC) is a designated Center within the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration and its focus area on Global Disability Rights and Inclusion. The GRC collaborates with universities, non-governmental organizations and national education agencies worldwide to improve education programs, practices and policies that serve people with and without disabilities across the life course. Historically, the GRC has provided culturally-responsive services for disadvantaged populations in an effort to contribute to the knowledge base of inclusive and global special education approaches. The GRC is co-directed by Renáta Tichá and Brian Abery.

The mission of the GRC is carried out through a coordinated array of services and activities delivered in a collaborative manner, including: 

Program Evaluation

We use quantitative and qualitative research methods to evaluate inclusive education programs at national, regional and local levels.

Workforce Development

Our experienced staff offer online and on-site training in various topics of inclusive and special education, transition to community living and employment, etc.  Our approach is to tailor the trainings to local context by close collaboration with our international partners.

Policy Development and Analysis

We help nations develop policies related to inclusive education and analyze existing policies for feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

Basic Education

We offer literacy training and basic education in informal, non-formal, and formal education settings. Programs are designed to meet the unique needs of school-aged children or adult learners.

Data Collection and Monitoring (including Student Assessment)

We work with international partners on data collection and monitoring of student and techer outcomes and the use of tools in policy and program planning. Monitoring collaborations include the development and implementation of strategies for inclusive and accessible classrooms and transition programs.

Media Services and Information Technology Support

We have the capacity to produce documentary films, training videos, online learning modules, and other multimedia productions.

Service Delivery Consultation for Persons with Disabilities

We provide consultation in early childhood, school-age, or adult services for persons with a wide range of disabilities, their family members and support staff. Topic areas include (but are not limited to): early intervention, independent living skills, inclusive education pedagogy, formal and informal assessment, and community-based supports.

Nation-to-Nation Exchanges

The GRC works directly with universities, non-governmental organizations, and Ministries of Education to share and adapt educational materials, conduct educational exchanges, conduct program and policy evaluations, and to initiate other collaborations as needed.

Non-governmental Organization Subcontracting

The GRC works with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) conducting educational projects in overseas missions. Our work with NGOs relates directly to inclusive education and disability service systems. We assist NGOs with service delivery and evaluation.

Material Development

The GRC develops paper-, technology-, and media-based curricular and assessment materials for teacher training, government workshops, and school-based activities.

International Linking and Networking

The GRC enables and encourages education agencies to participate in communities of practice and develop networks around inclusive education and in specific content areas, and provides for collaborations that are sustainable and sensitive to regional and cultural contexts.