Don’t turn away disabled kids: CBSE

Despite inclusive education being a constitutional guarantee, most parents of disabled children find themselves up against an apathetic tide when seeking admission in regular schools.

One board appears to have taken notice of the malaise and is trying to set things right. Moved by numerous complaints, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a circular to its schools across the country, warning them with disaffiliation if they are found erring on this count.

“It has been observed that several schools affiliated to CBSE are not abiding by our directive of inclusive education. The differently-abled children face challenges in learning as they may not be able to focus on the teacher during classroom interaction, or their pace of learning may be slower. Schools need to allocate more aid for these children and make an extra effort,” said Vineet Joshi, secretary and chairman of the Delhi-based board.

A recent survey conducted by an NGO, Pratham, about the schooling status of children with disabilities (CWD), reveals that 77% of them are out of school. The human development report of last year states that the literacy rate of disabled children in the city is a meagre 17%.

“Many parents of visually challenged children have sought our help when a school refused admission. We intervened and persuaded the school to take the child, and even provided resources. Instead of promoting segregated schools, the government should concentrate on funding integrated education,” said K Ramkrishna, honorary secretary of National Association for the Blind (NAB).

According to Avnita Bir, principal of RN Podar School, Santa Cruz, the institute has had several differently-abled children who have excelled in academics and sports.

“Last year, we had a student who was hearing impaired, but went on to score 92% in board exams. Schools that are not sensitive to the special children, and do not have special educators, are the ones who usually deny admission,” she said.