Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan group of schools in Kerala

June 28, 2022

It's heartening to see schools like the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan group of schools in Kerala taking steps to transition from the integration model to full inclusion. This shift towards full inclusion aligns with the mandates of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) 2016, and it's commendable. I had the privilege of conducting a session with all special educators and counselors at the school to help them understand how to remove barriers and make full inclusion a reality.   Here are some key points from the session:  

1. Admission Requirements: For children aged 14 and below, the only admission document required is age proof. No Transfer Certificate (TC) or mark sheet is necessary from any board or school. In the absence of a birth certificate, parents can mention the child's age and get it attested by a gazetted officer. For children above 14, a mark sheet is necessary, not a TC. Placement tests can be conducted after admission to determine the level of support the child might need in the age-appropriate class.

 

2. Accessible Facilities: Schools should ensure that their buildings, campuses, and various facilities are accessible to all students.

 

3. Reasonable Accommodation: Providing reasonable accommodation means offering support that ensures full inclusion, neither more nor less than necessary.

 

4. Individualized Support: Schools should offer necessary support that is tailored to each student's requirements, aiming to maximize their academic and social development in line with the goal of full inclusion.

 

5. Appropriate Communication: Education for individuals who are blind or deaf should be imparted in the most suitable languages and modes of communication.

 

6. Early Detection of Learning Disabilities: Schools should detect specific learning disabilities in children at the earliest and take appropriate pedagogical measures to overcome them.

 

7. Monitoring and Support: Regularly monitor the participation, progress, attainment levels, and completion of education for every student with a disability.

 

8. Transportation: Provide transportation facilities not only for children with disabilities but also for their attendants, especially those with high support needs.

  This commitment to full inclusion is a significant step toward making lived experiences matter and ensuring equal opportunities for all students. It's a testament to the dedication of educators and schools in promoting an inclusive and accessible educational environment as mandated by law.   #Inclusion #Education #SpecialEducation #FullInclusion #EqualOpportunities #RPwD2016