Special kids may be sidelined

Even though the proposed amendment to the rules in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, includes children with mental disability, many groups working with special kids feel that those with mental retardation, cerebral palsy or autism will be sidelined and students from an economically backward background or with a slight physical disability will be taken.

Disabled children, according to the present law, are those defined under the Person with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection and Full Participation) Act, 1996. According to the amendment, children who are physically challenged, mentally challenged, autistic and the like will be categorised as ‘children belonging to disadvantaged group’.

Chitra Iyer, founder, Forum for Autism, feels that out of 25% allotted, most schools will only takes students who will not harm the school results.

“The first preference will always be the economically backward, then the physically challenged and then perhaps the visually impaired,” said Dr Dholakia, president, Association for welfare of mentally handicapped. “Proper legal provisions should be made to ensure that kids with special needs are given admission in all schools.” Activist Merry Barua feels that a change in attitude is needed.