Inclusive Education-Barriers to Learning

Authors: Dr. K. S. Kanti

Pages: 1-4

Abstract:

Inclusion is: a social and educational philosophy. Those who believe in inclusion also believe that all people are valuable members of mainstream society, whatever their difference or diversity. Inclusive education in India is seen by many as a matter of providing education for children with disabilities. However, many more children are excluded because of various barriers to learning. Identifying the specific barriers to learning is the first step in focusing advocacy efforts towards reducing and removing these. Barriers include any reason why a child does not have access to fair and appropriate education (based on the child’s needs) within his/her community. Children face barriers related to a disability, health, socioeconomic and cultural concerns, lack of government policies and protection, inaccessible infrastructure, language, geography, and awareness of rights within the education system. After identifying barriers, the process of developing mechanisms to address them should be intensified. Rigorous advocacy initiatives should be implemented to persuade decision makers at all levels to take action. Furthermore, the process must be inclusive of schools, parents, students, teachers, government administrators, and community leaders. Using existing resources more effectively is helpful, especially before requesting new or additional resources from the government or other partners. Resources can include teachers or other personnel equipment, facilities or funds. While the mechanisms should be detailed, they should also be flexible and reasonable. They should be adjusted to suit the current local and national realities, while allowing room for continued development and adaptation.