News

Volume 6 Issue 5 - August 15, 2009

I.C.T. to enable inclusive education in schools

D.N.I.S. News Network, India: The Ministry of Human Resource Development has come up with a draft National Policy on Information and Communication Technology in Education which also includes needs of children with disability.

The policy states I.C.T. will help enable schools to achieve inclusive education. Softwares like screen readers, Braille printers will be part of the I.C.T. infrastructure of all schools. In case of non-availability of resources, web based repositories will bridge this gap. Digital content and resources for students with disabilities, talking books, etc. will be developed and used. Teachers would also be trained to understand the needs of students with disabilities.

The sector, apparently, has not been consulted on it. Radhika Alkazi, Managing Trustee and Director, A.A.S.T.H.A. and G. Syamala, Executive Director, Aadi were not even aware of the policy. As was Vandana Bedi, Consultant, Disability and Development.

“I have not been able to go through it till now. But from the looks of it, it seems to be a positive step,” Bedi said.

Click here to read the Draft National Policy on I.C.T. in School Education (PDF – 262 KB) (PDF file that opens in a new window)