CBSE’s New Guidelines For Education of Children With Special Needs

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday set new guidelines for education of Children with Special Needs (CwSN) to ensure that these students receive equitable opportunities in education, sports, and recreation. These guidelines aim to foster an inclusive environment within schools, aligning with the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates inclusive education across all government-funded or recognized institutions.

According to the official CBSE notification, schools are required to admit CwSN students without discrimination and to create environments that address their specific needs. The guidelines emphasize making school facilities accessible, including the installation of ramps, lifts, and accessible washrooms.

Key requirements include:

- Infrastructure Accessibility: Schools must ensure that their buildings, playgrounds, and other facilities are accessible. This includes installing ramps, wide doorways, and slip-resistant surfaces. Separate, accessible toilets for boys and girls and proper transportation facilities are also mandated.

- Accommodations for Disabilities: Education must be tailored to the needs of students who are blind, deaf, or have other disabilities, with appropriate modes of communication and educational materials.

- Early Detection and Support: Schools are instructed to identify specific learning disabilities early and implement suitable pedagogical strategies to support these students.

- Monitoring and Evaluation: Schools must track the participation, attainment levels, and educational progress of each CwSN student.

- Safety and Accessibility Features: The guidelines detail safety measures such as bright tactile pavers for visibility, level walkways, and handrails at hazardous points.

These new guidelines were introduced in response to numerous requests from schools seeking better ways to accommodate CwSN students.