Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

SSA's `inclusive education', a boon to physically challenged children

Staff Reporter

Coimbatore: Through the `inclusive education programme,' the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) has admitted nearly 4,500 disabled children in regular schools in the district. The programme, which was started in 2001, aims at including physically challenged children, especially those in rural areas, in regular schools.

As there are very few special schools in rural areas, most of the children with physical disability don't go to school. If they can be admitted to regular schools, they can pursue their education without any hassle, says N. Kaliappan, Assistant District Project Co-ordinator of SSA.

Also, they need not travel to special schools, which might be far away from their residence, he adds.

SSA also organises peer group training for the rest of the students in regular schools. "Normal students are given counselling regarding disability so that they learn to help their classmates who are physically challenged," Mr. Kaliappan points out.

Teachers are also given special training to teach these children. Two special educators have been appointed in every block. They evaluate the progress of the children who have been included and monitor the teaching techniques of the teachers. These special educators also visit homes in rural areas to create awareness about the ways in which to deal with disability. The Government provides assistance to these students in the form of equipment. Resource rooms for them are also in the process of being set up, Mr. Kaliappan says.

Children with "borderline" mental retardation can also attend a regular school. However, those with severe retardation may need to attend special schools, he adds.

The SSA is also conducting medical camps for children in rural areas to identify their problems and assist them to get admission to regular schools. The camp will help them identify disabled children who aren't going to school. It will then give counselling to the parents regarding their children's education.

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