Barriers to Learning
South African policy uses “barriers to learning” as its foundational concept; a deliberate choice grounded in the social model of disability. The question is not “what is wrong with this child?” but “what in the curriculum, environment or support structure is preventing this child from learning?” Responsibility for removing barriers lies with the system, not the learner. This brief is fully grounded in that framework.
Learning Differences
Used in this brief as an accessible term describing cognitive and developmental variations that affect how individuals process, understand, and express information. These are not deficits but different ways of learning that require tailored approaches.
