The Essential Guide to Special Needs Education in India

Published in

First Crayon

13 min readApr 27, 2018

Choices in education are hard enough normally. When you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it can be tougher. Special needs education has only in the last century been seen as necessary — and with good reason. In India, there are 27 million people with special needs, in a population of 1.2 billion. This means that about 2.2% of our population has special needs.

About 4.6 million people are in the age group 10–19 years. The picture for 0–6 years is bleaker, with about 2 million in these age group having special needs. They often have trouble with access to education. According to the Census, only 61% of children with special needs (CWSN) aged 5–19 attended educational institutions of any sort.

And those are the ones that we know of! Many cases are not reported due to misconceptions, societal fears, or lack of diagnosis.

That number of 61% might not be representative too. A majority of children with special needs do not receive any formal education, in spite of the practice of inclusive education in some schools. This is because children with disabilities and learning deficiencies are segregated from mainstream schools and other regular routines and social activities of normal children.

The term ‘special needs’ can cause some confusion. It refers to particular educational requirements resulting from learning difficulties, physical disability, or emotional and behavioural difficulties. Often, these can overlap depending on the child’s condition.

Physical difficulties — These can affect a child’s physical functioning, mobility or stamina. Aside from obvious ones such as loss of limbs, it can refer to respiratory disorders, blindness, or epilepsy. Hearing loss and chronic fatigue also fall under these. This may occur before birth or after due to infection or other issues.
Mental difficulties — These cover a wide range of issues. The most common are learning difficulties, in which a person cannot learn in the usual manner. Dyslexia and dyspraxia are common ones. Communication disorders such as stuttering or speech difficulties caused by autism also come under this. Developmental difficulties can also arise due to chronic conditions. Developmental delays caused by Down’s Syndrome are a common example of this.
Emotional and behavioral difficulties — These are usually social difficulties that may not be caused by biological factors. These may be internalized, so the child may not interact well with others or have low self esteem. They might also be externalized, so the child may act disruptive in the classroom. Children with anxiety, OCD or other mental illnesses often experience these.

Around the World

Worldwide, about 58 million children at the primary level are not in school. Of those, an estimated one third have a disability. They are even less likely to be able to go to school than other children. Their future job prospects are also low, as about 750 to 950 million people with special needs of working age are unable to work. In light of this, many countries are taking steps to help special needs children.

United States: In response to discriminatory treatment by public educational agencies against students with disabilities, United States Congress enacted the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA requires states to provide special education and related services consistent with federal standards as a condition of receiving federal funds.
United Kingdom: The University of Aberdeen School of Education, Inclusive Practice Project (IPP), is a research and development project funded by the Scottish Government to develop new approaches to training teachers. The IPP has developed a model of initial teacher education that prepares mainstream primary and secondary teachers for inclusive education.
Finland: Tervaväylä School is a Finnish State-owned basic education establishment. It consists of two units: the Lohipato Unit and the Merikartano Unit. The school’s mission is to provide advice and guidance to the schools in Northern Finland that — with the introduction of inclusive education — are now able to provide education for sick and disabled pupils. In addition, the school provides basic education for children who due to their illness or disability cannot attend their local school. Tervaväylä School specialises in provision for neurological difficulties and autistic Spectrum Disorder/ Asperger’s Syndrome. The school has operated in different forms for over one hundred years.
Bulgaria — The Bulgaria Social Inclusion Project gives CWSN opportunities at an early age. They provide social, health and childcare services that are necessary for them. Over 1,700 children have benefited from this, with 360 enrolled in mainstream schools.
Vietnam — The Intergenerational Deaf Education Outreach aims to teach deaf children sign language at an early age. This helps them get ready for formal primary school. As of 2015, 260 deaf children have been taught by family support teams. They have made progress in their ability to communicate with family and others. Around 200 hearing teachers have also learned sign language and ways to help deaf children.

A video of siblings helped by the program. Source: World Bank

Current Situation in India

Policy Issues

India’s policies regarding special needs children are unclear.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment(MSJE) runs separate schools for special needs children. But, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) promotes these children being included in regular classrooms. Parents often cannot decide which is the best option.
Further, colleges for higher studies may refuse admission to special needs children. This is due to bias regarding their ability to complete certain courses.
In 2010, a visually challenged young woman had to approach Bombay High Court to be allowed to study physiotherapy.
The country lacks a central body to frame guidelines, leaving colleges and schools to decide for themselves. This doesn’t work in favor of the children or parents.
This, combined with numerous other issues, means that many special needs children do not get the education they need. While 89% are enrolled in primary school, that number drops to 8.5% in secondary school. Only 2.3% of special needs children reach higher secondary (11th and 12th).

Source: District Information System for Education, 2015–16

Economic Issues

Having a special needs child can be an expensive affair. The cost can be up to four times that of raising a child without special needs.
Doctors’ visits, medication, and special items like wheelchairs can cause costs to pile up. Insurance is not always available, though government programs like Nirmaya try to provide it.
Special needs children also need to be provided for after reaching adulthood. Many of these children will not be able to work or face biases. Parents struggle to save for 50–60 years of care.

Social Issues

India still has a long way to go when it comes to social acceptance of special needs.
Bias can often prevent children from getting a place at school or jobs, later in life. Parents are also afraid of sending their children to school. They may not understand their condition or think it is pointless to get the child an education.
Schools also do not want to admit them because of potential disruption or misunderstanding.
Emotional and behavioral disorders are poorly understood in India. Many children suffering from these are simply brushed off as ‘badly behaved.’ Remember Taare Zameen Par?

Legal Issues

Getting a disability certificate can greatly help a special needs person. Scholarships, prosthetic aids and access to government schemes can depend on these.
Medical boards of district civil hospitals issue these. However, 51% of the disabled population did not have these as of 2015.
While certificates must be issued within a month of the application, it often takes much longer. Centres to issue these are also limited.
For example in Mumbai, only JJ Group of Hospitals, Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities, and All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation can issue these.
Especially in rural areas, there is also a shortage of specialists. Certificates for issues such as cerebral palsy cannot be issued without a diagnosis.

Technological Issues

Technology can greatly improve the lives of special needs children.
Motorized wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids and other items can help reduce the discomfort from physical difficulties.
Technology can help in other ways as well. Those with learning disabilities, for example, can benefit from tablets and other electronics made for learning.
However, lack of access is an issue. Even basic interventions like wheelchairs require money to buy and maintain.
There are some schemes in place to subsidize or provide these technologies free of cost. But many special needs children in India do not have access to these, due to lack of awareness, red tape or other reasons.

Initiatives for Improvement

While leaving room for improvement, India has already begun many programs for special needs. The government and private sector have both made efforts to provide for these.

Government Initiatives

Persons with Disability Act (1995)

This Act was put into effect on Feb. 1996 by the government. It was to ensure that people with special needs received equal opportunities. Education, employment, vocational training, reservation and rehabilitation of disabled persons are provided for by this Act. An unemployment allowance for disabled people, as well as a special insurance scheme for the disabled, are also part of it. You can read a simplified explanation of the Act here.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

The SSA is a government program aiming to make primary education universal. Its goal is to make education of children ages 6–14 a fundamental right. Since it aims to be inclusive, SSA has adopted a zero rejection policy. This is due to the belief is that all children are entitled to a quality education. SSA provides up to INR 3,000 per special needs child, per year, for the use of special resources and teacher training.

Right to Education (RTE)

This Act was enacted by the Parliament in August 2009 and came into force on 1st April 2010. It grants children from ages 6–14 the right to a free and compulsory education. An Amendment in 2012 makes explicit provisions for disabled children. It gave them access to reserved seats. Transport was also to be provided for in case of lack of access. You can read more about this act here.

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)

An initiative of MSJE, this was originally called the Department of Disability Affairs. It is a government body that is in charge of Social Security and Social Insurance of the disabled. It is also in charge of several special schemes and aids in the training of rehabilitation professionals. International agreements and conventions regarding disabled persons fall under them as well. They are in charge of several institutes and organizations serving disabled persons, and the Rehabilitation Council of India.

Accessible India Campaign

This campaign was started to provide accessibility to Persons with Disability (PwDs). While the Disability Act of 1995 provides for nondiscrimination in transport and environment, awareness is an issue. The campaign has a multi pronged approach. Along with mass awareness and leadership endorsements, it aims for interventions. These would be carried out through legal framework, technological improvement, etc.

Divyangjan Schemes

The government has initiated a number of schemes for special needs persons. Railway concessions, special insurance schemes, and a number of other other benefits are granted to them through these. You can read up on the schemes in detail here.

Private Initiatives

Several companies and NGOs have also taken steps for improving the life of those with special needs. Funded by corporate donors or as CSR initiatives, they aim to provide them with jobs, education and improved accessibility. This list is not comprehensive, and many more such organizations across India aid special needs people.

Pankh

Started by B S Nagesh (non executive Vice Chairman of Shopper’s Stop) and Meera Shenoy, it ensures employability for disabled people. It offers a comprehensive 60 day program. It includes trade specific training and training in life skills, soft skills and spoken English. So far, 2,800 people with special needs have found jobs through this initiative. You can read more about it here.

Association of People with Disability

This Bangalore based NGO aims to create an inclusive society for special needs people. Started in 1955, it boasts donors such as Wipro and Tech Mahindra. It has several programs for education, intervention and therapy. You can read more about them here.

Employment Initiatives

Some businesses have begun to include special needs people in a more visible manner. Lemon Tree, a chain of hotels started in 2002, has hired people with special needs for ~7% of their total staff positions. Metta Foot Spa in Bandra, Mumbai, started by Joanita Figueiredo, has only visually impaired people on its staff. A former yoga teacher, Ms. Figueiredo started the spa as an experiment, and has turned it into a successful venture.

Early Signs of Special Needs

Some difficulties, such as physical ones, are easy to identify. They are often identified at birth. But even those can present issues. For example, loss of vision or hearing can manifest slowly and might not be obvious. Symptoms of conditions such as cystic fibrosis also have to be carefully monitored. Mental, emotional and behavioural difficulties are even harder to place. Observing your child can help bring about some clarity . Keep in mind that some of these behaviours are just part of a child’s personality. Taking your child to a professional can help determine if a diagnosis is needed.

Vision

Rubbing frequently, trouble focusing or making eye contact
Closes one eye when looking at faraway objects
Reddened or watering eyes
Holds head oddly when looking at an object

Hearing

Frequent earaches
Frequent ear, nose or throat allergies or infections
Talks too loudly or softly
Does not react to loud noises or respond to being called from a distance
Turns up the volume on the TV
Shifts one ear towards sounds

Understanding

By age 1, does not recognize people or faces, does not look for hidden objects
By age 2, cannot identify simple body parts or say simple words
By age 3, cannot follow simple directions or commands
By age 4, does not have an active imagination and has short attention span

Note: This are only a few developmental milestones. All milestones should be monitored by age to determine if difficulties exist. However, lagging on milestones is not always a sign of special needs.

Communicating

Is unusually quiet
Takes time to understand words which they should by a certain age, or does not understand them at all
For example, by age 1, children can recognize simple words like mama. By age 2, they start pointing at objects and say family members’ names.
By age 4 or 5, their speech is usually a few sentences long. It is also understood by adults.

Moving

Limp body posture
Lack of motor control
Difficulty walking or crawling
Issues with balance
Older children may have issues with using objects like scissors, or with getting dressed

General Behaviour

Short attention span, impulsive behaviours, easily distracted
Avoids speaking to people other than family members
Acts shy and withdrawn
Acts out or is aggressive
Destructive or cruel to animals
Refuses to share or mingle with other children
Plays by pushing or hitting other children, breaks things often
Stares into space more often than other children
Tends to be sick more often, or has trouble eating and sleeping
Does not seek approval of behaviours

Managing Special Needs

So a diagnosis has been established, and your child has special needs. You might feel overwhelmed or scared. While these feelings are normal, you can help manage them with a plan. Once you have a steady route mapped out for your child, you’ll feel better — and so will they. The steps below will help you understand how to educate a child with special needs.

Know your rights — Make sure you know the legal rights of your child. Schools are usually compelled to accept special needs children by law. Look into the benefits and resources the government will provide for your child.
Pick the type of school — Will your child do better in a regular or special school? Children with mild disabilities (partial vision loss, slight hearing loss) can be integrated easily into a regular school. If your child’s disability is moderate, they may benefit from a special school first. This will bring them to the function level needed by a regular school. Special schools are usually the better option for students with multiple severe disabilities. Many are run by voluntary organizations and are residential, with some services provided free of cost. At present, there are 3,000 of these across the country. Another option is the National Institute of Open Schooling, that provides flexible distance learning courses.
Research — Make sure the school you choose can provide for your child. Even regular schools should provide resources and qualified teachers if they accept special needs children. Teachers should be trained to understand and help special needs kids. Technologies and strategies for dealing with ADHD, for example, should be provided.
Develop strategies at home — You can reinforce the lessons taught at school at home. Strategies for reading, writing, math and general behaviour can help improve your child’s skills. This will help them progress faster in the classroom.
Support for children — Find organizations in your area that cater to special needs children. It is essential for your child to be able to interact with children like them as well. They may feel alone and different otherwise. It may also help them find activities tailored to their disabilities. You should also try to support your child as much as possible. Assure them they are loved and valued. Help them feel like contributing members of the family, and to understand their strengths.
Support for parents — Taking care of a special needs child is a full time job. Your friends and family may not understand the issues you face. Look for support groups or organizations that put parents in touch with each other. Speaking to parents in similar situations can provide new strategies and reduce stress. If you can’t find anything in your area, online message boards or Facebook groups can also be great sources of support.

Concluding Thoughts

There are a large number of children with special needs in India and around the world. They are no less deserving of an education than any other. With the right resources, institutes and teachers, a child with special needs can also learn well. If your child requires these resources, you can turn to government or private schemes to help out.

We can overcome these obstacles by creating more awareness on inclusive education, by schools having the resources and the ability to re-structure their curriculum to cater to all types of students, by recruiting teachers who have the skills and proficiency to meet varying demands within the classroom and by having the support of family. If these changes are implemented, it will increase the confidence of a number of special children to aspire for a valuable education like their normal peers.