CBSE Directs Its Affiliated Schools To Make Provisions For Children With Special Needs

In compliance with the order issued by the court of the commissioner of specially-abled persons, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all its affiliated schools to make provisions for ramps, separate toilets for specially-abled children along with the availability of special educators, wellness teachers and counsellors.

The school education department and the directorate of secondary education have been directed by the court of the commissioner to ensure that children with special needs be admitted to all recognised public schools in the state, including private schools, by putting advertisements in newspapers.

It has been noticed that schools are not abiding by the Board's Affiliation ByeLaws when it comes to infrastructure features like ramps/lifts, children with special needs (CwSN) facilities in restrooms, etc. While many educational activities such as laboratories, libraries, and other co-curricular activities are on several floors of the school building, some schools have only erected ramps at entry/exit points or the ground floor. These events are inaccessible to kids with special needs since the school building does not have a ramp or lift facility on all floors. Therefore, it is essential that plans be developed for all kids to go to school and that efforts be made to find and remove obstacles.

The CBSE mentioned that a detailed circular has been issued to all the affiliated schools to ensure the provisions are in line with the RPwD Act, 2016. It should strictly be followed both by instructional methods as well as infrastructure. This includes the provision of ramps at the entrance of schools, ramps or lifts for specially-abled children to access upper floors (in case of a multistoried building), and separate toilets for specially-abled boys and girls on each floor.