The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is on a verge of making schools more inclusive and enriches the in-school experience for special students. The education board is pondering to introducing sign language and Braille as a subject, computer-based tests, attendance waivers and flexible subject selection options for students with special needs.
A senior official of CBSE said, "It has been proposed that Indian sign language or braille should be treated as a language to satisfy the formula prescribed by the board," a senior official said.
Fostering Inclusion
CBSE is envisioning a uniform system for special children so that they may take examinations in the same pattern. This move will foster inclusion in schools and break attitudinal barriers towards special needs students. The board is mulling to introduce Indian sign language as one among the subjects for learning to replace any other compulsory language.
A senior HRD official stated, “Such children may also be given exemptions from the already existing criteria of two/one compulsory languages in board examinations and Indian sign language should be treated as a language to satisfy the formula prescribed by the board. On similar lines, Braille can also be offered as a language option.”
Benefits to specially-abled students
CBSE has also proposed plans for physically challenged students. It has recommended to create online class content for students with mobility issues. They can also fill out their tests after each session online.
According to the drafted policy, attendance requirements in cases of children with severe disabilities can also be waived. It also mandates infrastructural guidelines for schools to make them inclusive. It recommends that all school buildings should be barrier-free for easy accessibility for the differently abled, all parts of the school building be accessible either by ramp or lift and that at least one accessible toilet be constructed.
"For students with mobility issues, the CBSE has recommended the creation of online class content for children. Attendance requirements in cases of children with severe disabilities can be waived," The official added.
