CBSE asks schools to follow guidelines for provisions for Children with Special Needs

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked existing schools and schools seeking board affiliation to follow guidelines for provisions for Children with Special Needs (CwSN). The CBSE guidelines include instructions on ramps, toilets, signage, and other facilities for such children in schools.

In an official circular to schools, the board reiterated that in Affiliation Bye-Laws 2018, it has incorporated that “the school shall provide proper facilities like, ramps in toilets and at entry/exit points for wheelchair users and auditory signals in elevators / lifts and other possible infrastructural facilities in accordance with the provisions laid down in RPWD Act- 2016.”

The provisions also include that “School shall promote inclusion of student with special needs in the normal school as per provisions of the Rehabilitation of Persons With Disabilities Act 2016 and in conformity with the National; Policy of Education.”

The board said that it noticed that schools are not adhering to the provisions regarding infrastructural facilities for CwSN. According to the board’s observations, some schools have built the ramp only at entry or exit points or ground floor while laboratories, library and other co-curricular activities are on different floors of school buildings. Due to non-availability of ramp or lift facility on all floors of school building, these activities are not accessible to the students with special needs.

CBSE stated it is important for schools to create provisions for all children attending schools and put efforts to identify and remove barriers. It is equally important to safeguard the rights of such children if the goal of ‘Education for All’ is to be achieved. The board emphasized the promotion of inclusive education in schools.

“Inclusive Education is also an important component under Samagra Shiksha Scheme which lays emphasis on improving quality of education for all students, including Children with Special Needs (CwSN). The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reiterates the need for barrier-free access to children with special needs for providing equitable educational opportunities,” CBSE added.

CBSE further told schools, “Hence, all CBSE affiliated schools and the schools seeking affiliation with the Board are advised to comply with the Children with Special Needs (CwSN) guidelines.”