INDIA – The Indian education system is pretty strong when it comes to going through the worst of it. It has managed to glide through and still give the students the best education it could have even during a period of a dangerous pandemic. The system is iron clad and for that the Indians are grateful.
But whilst they are shining in providing decent education to children who have normal needs the special needs students are not so luck as it may seem. Of course, it is understood that special needs students need a little bit more. But of course, there are teachers specially trained to handle this kind of education and even special classrooms so that the children are in a safe and comfortable environment.
Nilanjana Rambothu, founder, director, Sunshine Autism Care Society, Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) holder in special education stated that “For special children with neurodiversity, online education is not possible. They require specific physical activities, human touch and training. In virtual medium, special children cannot grasp the content.” She was very clear about this. Of course, whilst happy that there was an online option, she was speaking fact that sometimes they need a little more hands on.
Neha Singh, physiotherapist of special children, RCI holder in special education quoted that “Due to schools being shut during Covid-19, children almost forgot the movements, which is essential for activity-based learning. The dropout rates also increased exponentially as parents cannot understand their sensory needs,”
Mona Lisa Bal, chairperson, KiiT International School said “Ed-tech platforms cannot help the children with special needs. There has to be one-on-one interaction for them. It will take a lot of time to bring them back to school again,”
