By: Faiza Raghib
Education is widely acknowledged as a basic human right and a crucial factor in long-term development, fostering economic growth, social progress, and empowerment. Despite advancements towards inclusive education, there remains a substantial disparity in ensuring quality education for students with disabilities. Addressing this gap aligns with principles of equality and non-discrimination and is closely linked to SDG 4 (Quality Education). Data from UDISE indicates a concerning decrease in the enrollment of children with disabilities in the school education system, declining from 1.08% in 2013-14 to 0.85% in 2018-19, despite the inclusion of new impairment groups in the count.
The fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” Nevertheless, millions of children with disabilities globally are lagging behind in achieving this goal. According to UNESCO, approximately 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability, rendering them one of the most marginalized and excluded groups in society. Their marginalization is exacerbated by a lack of educational opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 underscores the responsibility of educational institutions to provide inclusive education to children with disabilities. It mandates all educational institutions supported or recognized by competent authorities to promote accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, the Act delineates methods to foster inclusive education.
Despite these legal provisions, the journey towards inclusive education remains rife with challenges, as evidenced by personal narratives like that of Kaivalya Bhise from Satara, Maharashtra. Kaivalya’s struggle to obtain admission and access education underscores the systemic barriers faced by students with disabilities, including the absence of separate merit lists and accommodations like subtitles in digital education. Similarly, the story of Angad Singh from Mumbai, overcoming night blindness and mobility challenges, highlights the resilience and determination needed to navigate an education system often ill-equipped to meet diverse needs adequately.
Providing education to students with disabilities transcends mere fulfilment of their rights; it is an investment in society’s future. Empowered through education, individuals with disabilities can actively contribute to their communities, economies, and the achievement of sustainable development goals. Moreover, inclusive education benefits everyone by fostering diversity and empathy, preparing all children for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Inclusive education is essential for individuals with disabilities to maintain a dignified lifestyle, particularly concerning education and healthcare. The lack of inclusiveness disproportionately affects persons with disabilities, especially those facing intersectional challenges, rendering them more vulnerable to marginalization. Effective policies must address these factors during scheme design and implementation.
Establishing inclusive education requires coordinated efforts at various levels. Governments must enact and enforce laws and regulations ensuring equitable access to education for all students, including providing reasonable accommodations and support services for those with disabilities. Schools must adopt inclusive practices catering to the diverse needs of all students, including accessible infrastructure, inclusive teaching methods, and support from qualified professionals.
Moreover, increased investment in teacher training and capacity building is essential to ensure educators possess the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively educate students with disabilities. Collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and stakeholders is crucial for overcoming systemic barriers and fostering an enabling environment for inclusive education.
As we strive to achieve SDG 4 and ensure no one is left behind, prioritizing the inclusion of children with disabilities in global education systems is paramount. By doing so, we not only safeguard their fundamental rights but also contribute to the collective endeavor of creating more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies. Education is the gateway to opportunity, and it is imperative that every child, regardless of ability, has access to its transformative power.
Furthermore, as citizens, it is imperative that individuals with disabilities exercise their right to vote in elections. Your voice matters in shaping policies and decisions that impact education, accessibility, and inclusivity. Let your vote be heard to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society for all.