Page 63 - Magazine Department of B.Ed. 2015
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external factors and to remove the internal respect disability could base their policies on
barriers it is essential to remove the external the principle of inclusivity.
barriers. Some of the external barriers have
been discussed in the following paragraphs. Along with the attitudinal barriers which are
faced by the learners on the daily basis, another
One of the major concerns is the attitudinal important barrier is the physical barrier, which
barrier. It has been noted that disabled children includes accessibility to school buildings,
(differently abled as they now known as) suffer playgrounds, washrooms, library etc. The
from physical bullying. The negative attitude of majority of schools are physically inaccessible
peer and people results in social discrimination to many differently-abled learners because of
and thus leads to isolation, which produces unfriendly facilities particularly in the rural
barrier to inclusion. Regarding disabled areas. Since most schools are not equipped
children some regions still maintain established to respond to special needs, learners face
beliefs that educating them is pointless. It is inconvenience in physically getting into schools.
sad to note here that these barriers are caused For example, many of the students require
by society, which is more serious than any a personal assistance for the basic activities
particular medical impairment. The isolation such as taking lunch in recess, using lavatory,
which results from exclusion closes the doors climbing stairs etc. Most school buildings don’t
of real learning. The negative attitude often respond to the requirements of these learners
develops due to lack of knowledge. Along with properly even in the cities. For example, if there
information about disability or condition, their is a ramp, sometimes it is too steep, often the
requirements must be provided to peers, school doors are too heavy for the student to open
staff and teachers as well. For implementing the unaided which impedes the access. Hence, for
inclusive education successfully, it is important implementing inclusive education in schools, it
thatteachersmusthavepositiveattitudetowards is important to overcome such physical barriers.
learners with special needs. But, because of lack Along with basic changes in the architectural
of knowledge, education, understanding, or designs such as widening doorways, removing
efforts, teachers give inappropriate substitute unnecessary doors, installing proper ramps,
work to the learners which eventually lead technology could also be used in the form of
to learners’ dissatisfaction and poor quality motion sensors to open doors, flush toilets
of learning. Increasing interactions between and automatic door buttons for easier access
learners with special needs and community through doors. Voice recognition technology
through organization of fairs, meetings etc. can also be used for activating many of the
should also be done. It is also very important to above-mentioned barriers. Though such hi-
counsel the parents of these learners, especially tech facilities may not be cost effective for many
in rural areas about the importance of providing schools in a developing country like India, it is
education for developing them into self-reliant estimated that achieving inclusive education
individuals. There is also a need to bring shift goal will require additional financial support
in perspectives and values so that the diversity from the government.
is appreciated and teachers should be trained
in skills to provide all children, including In any education system, the curriculum
those with different learning needs, quality may either act as a tool or an obstacle in
education. Also, at the policy level, it should be facilitating the development of more inclusive
mandatory for all to educate themselves about system. Curriculum includes the broad aims
disability, so that responsive individuals who of education and has its implications on
transactional and evaluation strategies. In our
Ideas are the most profitable products of the human mind.
46
barriers it is essential to remove the external the principle of inclusivity.
barriers. Some of the external barriers have
been discussed in the following paragraphs. Along with the attitudinal barriers which are
faced by the learners on the daily basis, another
One of the major concerns is the attitudinal important barrier is the physical barrier, which
barrier. It has been noted that disabled children includes accessibility to school buildings,
(differently abled as they now known as) suffer playgrounds, washrooms, library etc. The
from physical bullying. The negative attitude of majority of schools are physically inaccessible
peer and people results in social discrimination to many differently-abled learners because of
and thus leads to isolation, which produces unfriendly facilities particularly in the rural
barrier to inclusion. Regarding disabled areas. Since most schools are not equipped
children some regions still maintain established to respond to special needs, learners face
beliefs that educating them is pointless. It is inconvenience in physically getting into schools.
sad to note here that these barriers are caused For example, many of the students require
by society, which is more serious than any a personal assistance for the basic activities
particular medical impairment. The isolation such as taking lunch in recess, using lavatory,
which results from exclusion closes the doors climbing stairs etc. Most school buildings don’t
of real learning. The negative attitude often respond to the requirements of these learners
develops due to lack of knowledge. Along with properly even in the cities. For example, if there
information about disability or condition, their is a ramp, sometimes it is too steep, often the
requirements must be provided to peers, school doors are too heavy for the student to open
staff and teachers as well. For implementing the unaided which impedes the access. Hence, for
inclusive education successfully, it is important implementing inclusive education in schools, it
thatteachersmusthavepositiveattitudetowards is important to overcome such physical barriers.
learners with special needs. But, because of lack Along with basic changes in the architectural
of knowledge, education, understanding, or designs such as widening doorways, removing
efforts, teachers give inappropriate substitute unnecessary doors, installing proper ramps,
work to the learners which eventually lead technology could also be used in the form of
to learners’ dissatisfaction and poor quality motion sensors to open doors, flush toilets
of learning. Increasing interactions between and automatic door buttons for easier access
learners with special needs and community through doors. Voice recognition technology
through organization of fairs, meetings etc. can also be used for activating many of the
should also be done. It is also very important to above-mentioned barriers. Though such hi-
counsel the parents of these learners, especially tech facilities may not be cost effective for many
in rural areas about the importance of providing schools in a developing country like India, it is
education for developing them into self-reliant estimated that achieving inclusive education
individuals. There is also a need to bring shift goal will require additional financial support
in perspectives and values so that the diversity from the government.
is appreciated and teachers should be trained
in skills to provide all children, including In any education system, the curriculum
those with different learning needs, quality may either act as a tool or an obstacle in
education. Also, at the policy level, it should be facilitating the development of more inclusive
mandatory for all to educate themselves about system. Curriculum includes the broad aims
disability, so that responsive individuals who of education and has its implications on
transactional and evaluation strategies. In our
Ideas are the most profitable products of the human mind.
46
