Bridging the Digital Divide: Supporting Children with Special Education Needs and Ensuring Sustainable Development Goals

The rapid development of technology has brought about a renaissance in the field of education. Digital technology has provided students with ease in collecting, storing and using new knowledge and information. However, its benefits have not reached everyone equally. Especially for children with special educational needs (CWSEN), the disparity in access to and use of technology is clearly visible, which has created a major obstacle to social inclusion. The main objective of this analytical article is to analyze the nature and impact of the digital divide, to explore how technology is playing an effective role in enhancing educational opportunities for CWSENs and to analyze the role of technology in ensuring quality and inclusive education for the SDGs. The article is mainly based on a theoretical framework and literature review, where digital divide theory, inclusive education theory, technology acceptance model (TAM) and other theories have created a strong foundation. In light of this theoretical foundation, it can be seen that access to technology, usage skills and usefulness occupy an important place for CWSEN students. Appropriate use of digital technology helps in achieving SDGs, reducing the digital divide and creating a proper inclusive environment. In the context of a complete discussion of all aspects, it is known that infrastructural development is essential for reducing the digital divide, it is necessary to take public and private initiatives in the field of digital educational tools, digital literacy, skill training and policy making, so that it is possible to build an equality-based and inclusive education system. It is concluded that reducing the digital divide is not only about ensuring technology-based inclusive education but also about building a sustainable and equality-based society.