Being a parent of a child with special needs at times brings along this anxiety about inferior treatment to him or her against peers. But, inclusive education is one bridge that can help provide a platform of equal opportunities and learning environment similar to that of peers for children with disabilities. An environment or setting where children with disabilities and general children learn together can give way to them leading independent, respectful and regular lives in general.
Inclusive education is being implemented in various schools in India at partial or complete levels and is proving to be highly beneficial to not only the challenged children but also to the regular or normal children because here is when they learn to live with differences, accept them, adapt themselves and most importantly live in harmony with them.
Here’s a list of few of the umpteen benefits of inclusive education
Improvement in Communication Skills – In an inclusive environment children with special needs get to participate and engage into the same activities together with the normal children. As a result they get to learn from these children which in ultimately helps them improve their social as well as communication skills. The experience is far more enriching because there is sense of equality and respect also while separate classrooms or schools create a sense of biasness. In mainstream classrooms the educational as well as behavioral expectations are higher thus providing an opportunity of learning and developing skills that the kids with special needs can use all through their lives.
Confidence boost for Parents – Parents of disabled children always feel that their children be treated equally and given equal learning environment as well as opportunities. With inclusive classroom setting in place, it’s like a booster for parents of these children. This is the best chance for their kids to learn to live a normal life like their peers.
Benefits to one and all – It’s not only the children with disabilities that benefit from inclusion but the even the able children do. They learn to accept and live in harmony with children with disabilities and also learn to appreciate them. In longer periods they even become friends with children with special needs forming meaningful and life lasting relationships. The normal or general children even help their disabled or challenged peers which also hones their own skills. Even teachers get to teach to a diverse group of students and enhance their teaching skills as well.
Inclusive education is the best of ultimate way to provide equal opportunities and environment, which they deserve so that they can live their lives respectfully, independently and happily.
Know more about Vydehi School of Rehabilitation, Whitefield, Bangalore
