Describe the policies and legislations for inclusive education and rehabilitation.

📃 Long Answer – Asked in the 2024 Question Paper

Ques. 1 - Describe the policies and legislations for inclusive education and rehabilitation.

The policies and legislations for inclusive education and rehabilitation in India aim to ensure equal opportunities, rights, and participation for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in all aspects of life, especially in education. Here's an overview of the major ones:

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1. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), 2009

• Guarantees free and compulsory education for all children aged 6–14 years.

• Includes children with disabilities under the category of disadvantaged groups.

• Emphasizes inclusive education by integrating children with special needs into regular schools.

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2. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD), 2016

• Replaced the 1995 Act to align with the UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities).

• Recognizes 21 types of disabilities.

• Mandates inclusive education in mainstream schools.

• Requires appropriate infrastructure, trained teachers, and reasonable accommodation.

• Provides for the appointment of special educators and establishment of inclusive schools.

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3. National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986 & Revised NPE, 1992

• Advocated the integration of children with mild disabilities in regular schools.

• Encouraged setting up special schools for children with severe disabilities.

• Emphasized teacher training in special education.

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4. National Education Policy (NEP), 2020

• Promotes inclusive and equitable education for all.

• Recommends barrier-free access, use of assistive technologies, and availability of counselors and special educators.

• Focuses on the flexibility of curriculum to cater to diverse learners.

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5. The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Act, 1992

• Established RCI to regulate and monitor training programs for professionals in the field of special education and rehabilitation.

• Maintains a central register of qualified professionals.

• Ensures the quality and standardization of rehabilitation services.

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6. Integrated Education for Disabled Children (IEDC), 1974

• Aimed to provide educational opportunities to children with disabilities in regular schools.

• Focused on financial assistance for aids, appliances, transport, and teacher training.

• Merged later into more comprehensive schemes.

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7. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) & Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA + RMSA)

• SSA included the component of Inclusive Education for Disabled at Elementary Level (IED).

• Samagra Shiksha (2018 onwards) continues inclusive education from preschool to Class 12.

• Offers support like Braille books, assistive devices, therapy, and teacher training.

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8. UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), 2006

• India ratified it in 2007.

• Mandates full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in education.

• Acts as a guiding framework for national policies.

These policies and legislations collectively promote the right to education, inclusion, accessibility, and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities. They ensure that educational institutions create an environment that supports the diverse needs of all learners.

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