08 Mar 2019|Noida | F3 Seminar Hall
National Conference on “Inclusive Education: Best Practices and Future Perspective”
To deliberate upon formulating new policies for creating inclusive environment and providing training to budding special educators , Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences started a two day National Conference on “Inclusive Education: Best Practices and Future Perspective” at University Campus, Sector 125 Noida.
The objective of the conference is to create a forum for scholars and practitioners to share knowledge and experiences on renewing the inclusive education practices in terms of teacher preparation, curriculum, instructional methodologies, independent living and career perspectives.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, a caregivers handbook “Happy Periods” on ‘Menstrual Hygiene Management of Women with Intellectual Disability” (conceptualized by Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences and Centre for research, Innovation and Technology, Ponty Chadha Foundation) was released by the dignitaries.
Inaugurating the conference, Dr. Himangshu Das, Director, National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai said “Inclusive education is not only for children with special needs but there is a need to include host of other disability components as well . There are various challenges in terms of gender, minority, reservation, economic aspects etc which affects the implementation of policies for inclusive education.” He pointed out that it has been a long journey towards introducing inclusiveness in education and there has been questions regarding what has been achieved till now and what else needs to be covered. He averred that unless a comprehensive policy for inclusive education for range of disabilities is not formed, there is no precise target that can be achieved. He remarked that though, many educational institutions are providing admissions to special children but in ground reality, there has been an increase in number of drop outs too, even in home based programmes and it has been noted that the therapist or educator rarely visits the students enrolled in these programmes. Dr. Das apprised that the major challenge is different policies at central and state level which causes hindrance in providing proper funding to support inclusive education programmes. He called upon the government agencies to take the liability and improve the quality and status of education for every child.
Emphasizing upon major concerns towards inclusive education, Dr. Bhushan Punani, Executive Director, Blind People's Association, Ahmedabad said that there are lot many cases pending in Supreme Court and High Courts regarding admission of 25% ‘Disadvantaged’ children in private and government school. Though, many schemes for inclusive education has been formed but there is a need to identify the areas of responsibilities for proper implementation. He further added that the authorities must ensure the availability of infrastructure, devices, human resources, accessible material and support services for the children with special needs and disabilities.
Citing the examples of some proud achievers who have succeeded in one field or area despite various difficulties and challenges, Dr. Punnani highlighted that education is a matter of right for every child whether disabled or not, the right for education of every child must be protected. He stressed that child preparatory services are essential in present times and it is the responsibility of special educators and regular teachers to guide and counsel the child as well parents and further make them aware about their rights. He suggested to promote the achievements of the disable and special people which may motivate and inspire others to follow the suite.
Dr. Punnani insisted on empowering special educators and service providers as they are the ones who will aid in successfully achieving the concept of inclusive education.
Ms. Jayanti Pujari, Director, Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences shared that inclusiveness is not about accommodating the students with disabilities but it is about finding ways to empower them, with rest of the world. She remarked that the expected outcome of the conference is to identify the challenges, analyzing them in a way to achieve inclusive education in India from different perspectives, which will further help in strengthening the best practices.
During the inauguration, students with hearing disability of Mata Bhagwanti Chaddha Niketan, Special School, Noida performed a mesmerizing and touching cultural programme.
Around 30 professionals working in the field of inclusive education and more than 100 budding special educators from various educational institutions including Jamia Milia Islamia, Chandra Bhushan Singh Memorial Disabilities School, Amar Jyoti School, Ashtavakra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences amongst others have participated in the conference.
During the two day national conference, various plenary and technical sessions will be conducted on topics such as Implementation Status of RPwD Act 2016 in the light of Inclusive Education; Future Teacher Preparation: Redesigning Inclusive Curriculum; Inclusive Education System: Ensuring Equity in General Education; Best Practices for Children with Special Needs and Role of Stakeholders in Inclusive Education: A collaborative Approach.