Schools are the educational spaces that caters to the learning needs of children irrespective of individual differences.
Being one of the vibrant socio catalysts, it churns and boosts the socioemotional development and overall well being among children hailing from various communities and strata regardless of their physical and cognitive capacities.
An inclusive school therefore is the one that welcomes all children in an age appropriate class and ensure to provide need specific suitable infrastructure, amenities and learning experiences to students including the children with special needs.
The irony of competitive rat race in the education industry made institutions indifferent towards the children with special needs as this calls for customisation and resource management to accommodate them with children having normal needs. Hence, a vast gap in the social attitude and social fabric of schools rose since children with special abilities were encouraged to do schooling in special schools only.
But now as a good change and for a progressive Nation, NEP 2020 envisages an education system that offers equitable and inclusive schooling to all children where they will learn, develop, socialise, accept and respect differences and grow as compassionate and competent youth of the society.
Honourable Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) vide its affiliation circular No 05/2023, dated 06/03/2023 has issued guidelines for CWSN provisions for existing schools and schools seeking affiliation.
The compliance towards CWSN provisions are being incorporated in Affiliation Byelaws 2018 under Rule no 4.7.3 that schools shall provide proper facilities like ramps at entry / exit points for wheelchair users, in toilets, auditory signals in lifts / elevators and other provisions as laid down in the Persons with disability Act 2016 and in conformity with National Education Policy of Education.
The Hon. Board has mandated and listed the provisions to be adhered to, by all its affiliated schools in the Nation to make schools inclusive in all areas of schooling for the cause of children with special needs.
How does this works in practice?