This observation comes from Raman Shankar, Deputy Director, Education, Braille Programme & Talking Book Centre of National Association for the Blind (NAB). Shankar is himself visually challenged. He says, “Anyone can learn the sign language or Braille in a few days. If teachers can put in a little effort they can do wonders for physically challenged children.”

Shankar was speaking at a sensitisation programme for school principals and administrators for inclusion of disabled children in regular schools organised by the NAB, UP State Branch, Lucknow on Tuesday. “If a visually or a hearing impaired child is in the class, then a teacher can ease much of his problem by reading a little loudly while writing on the board. The teacher can also further facilitate the learning experience by using Brailee and sign language,” he said.

However, he reiterated that this did not mean that special schools should be done away with. “Since not all disabled children can be given admission in normal schools, special schools will continue to have their own importance,” he said.

Shankar emphasised that normal schools should develop support mechanism tools required for the convenience of disabled children.

SCORE Foundation CEO George Abraham said, “There is a myth that disabled people need to be kept away from the mainstream. Both society and schools must take upon themselves the onus of diluting this myth.” Why inclusion of disabled persons in normal schools is not taking place at a fast pace? “Common people’s experience with the handicapped is limited and that gives rise to negatively. Our mindset is blocking their opportunities,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion Rohit Nandan, Secretary, Handicap Welfare Department announced that a ramp will come up in all basic schools of the state by 2006-07 so that physically challenged students can easily reach their classrooms. “Mere education will not serve the purpose. Such children need to be rehabilitated as well,” he said.

LU V-C RP Singh laid stress on the empowerment of special children. He regretted that the bureaucracy was indifferent to the problems faced by physically challenged persons. Amita Dubey, the honorary general secretary of NAB, UP State Branch, Lucknow, highlighted the various projects of the NAB for the rehabilitation of special children.

By Rajeev Mullick
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1638421,0015002500010002.htm