News

Volume 5 Issue 2 - January 15, 2007

Visually impaired children denied admission in schools in Capital

D.N.I.S. News Network - The Disability Act 1995 clearly states that no school can deny admission to disabled children, and it also makes it mandatory for schools to make their premises barrier-free and provide infrastructure for facilitating such children. Yet, a large number of visually impaired children are left behind as a result of most schools denying admission to them.

There are 4,000 registered and unregistered private schools in the Capital. Only 25 of these admit visually impaired children. Very few schools admit children who are completely visually impaired. These schools have a tie-up with the National Blind School that trains children in mobility and daily living skills, apart from teaching them the fundamentals of Braille and computers. Special classes are also held to help children with the lessons taught in inclusive schools.

According to reports, J. P. Singh, Member Secretary, Rehabilitation Council of India, has said: “When you talk about inclusive education under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, you have to provide for special educators. I have become tired of getting complaints about schools turning away disabled children using the excuse of inadequate infrastructure. Parents must start asserting their rights.”