INCLUSION - ITS NEEDS AND IMPLICATION

Every individual differs in physical, social, emotional and cognitive make-up, and this diversity is a reality that everyone should respect. Inclusion is the broad idea of including everyone in education without being judgmental about ability, appearance or economic condition. In education it means a model in which CWSN spend most or all of their time with students who do not have special needs, on the understanding that this mixed experience is more effective for them and that the social interaction it brings leads to success later in life.

Inclusion helps create a safe, comfortable and emotionally secure environment in any institution. It is not a law forced on anyone but a process that helps a child make a smooth transition into understanding, accepting and practising a culture of inclusion. Physical education and sport play a very important part in promoting it.

Need for Inclusive Education

By bringing all students together, inclusive education prepares everyone for real-life situations:

1. Builds self-esteem — diverse classrooms let children see that everyone learns in their own way; CWSN find they have much in common with others, which builds confidence, reduces stigma and helps friendships form.
2. Improves social and communication skills — because social skills are learnt best through observation and imitation, students with special needs understand the world around them better by being part of a regular classroom.
3. Enhances sensitivity — students without disabilities become more patient, caring and empathetic, and often form lifelong friendships with the peers they help.
4. Creates better understanding and appreciation of others — classmates learn to recognise and value each other's strengths and weaknesses.
5. Creates a sense of belonging — every child becomes part of a community, which prepares them for life and teaches them to value one another despite differences.
6. Enhances academic performance — children of varying abilities are often better motivated when they learn together, so results improve.
7. Improves performance — higher expectations in a mixed-ability classroom stretch each individual towards his or her best.

Implementation of Inclusive Education in India

Because the number of children with disabilities or special needs in India is very large, inclusive education must be implemented carefully, both to benefit every individual and to use resources well. India should focus on these measures:

1. Effective implementation of the Right to Education in every state, so that no child — and no CWSN — is left out.
2. Training teachers, especially in rural areas, through workshops to teach CWSN in an inclusive classroom.
3. Building a support team that reviews schools, curriculum and amenities so that children who struggle can still access the regular curriculum.
4. Encouraging a flexible approach to curriculum transaction, so teachers and students can identify and resolve problems in the teaching-learning process.
5. Involving parents as partners and resources in decisions about their child's learning.
6. Looking at what children can do rather than what they cannot, recognising a CWSN for talents and abilities rather than treating her or him with sympathy.
7. Designing schools and classes — classrooms, transport and materials such as audio or Braille textbooks and assistive devices — so children can achieve their fullest potential. …