In an effort to better educational institutions in India, UNESCO has commenced a yearly analysis of educative institutions in the country. The first report released on 3 July, indicates that more than three-quarters of disabled students aged between five and nineteen years old are forced to drop out or do not attend school at all.
Unfortunately, the UNESCO team compiling the report noticed a worrying tendency – the number of students with special needs attending education facilities in India has been steadily dropping for the past several years.
The report also detailed that about two percent (2%) of all pupils in India have special needs.
Children with disabilities and the state
UNESCO New Delhi also noted one significant reason for the drop of children with mental or physical disabilities (CWDs) attending classes is the opportunity to become part of a facility accredited by the Institute for open education in India. Unfortunately, the disturbing downward trend in attendance is observed in such institutions as well. Since 2009, the percentage of CWDs enrolled in centers part of the institute has been dropping steadily.
An alternative explanation of the significant drop in the number of CWDs enrolled in state schools might be the promising development of online studies in India.
Despite the notable drop found in the statistics, the report notes that the Indian state is doing good work in terms of improving the availability of education to CWDs. A conclusion of the UNESCO’s analysis states that there is a rigid legislative foundation and a lot of measures have already been introduced to try and improve the teaching practices, so schools become more suitable for children with special needs.
State institutions are indeed making an effort to provide better educational opportunities and options for children with mental or physical limitations; however, there is still a long way to go. The main focus of the state should fall on families and faculty members so that they are comfortable with the idea that education is just as crucial for CWDs. Another important mission for the state will be to try and eradicate the stigma that children with special needs are not well accommodated at schools.
