Education of children with disabilities was among the most affected life segments during the COVID-19 lockdown in India, according to a study by Vidhi Centre, an independent agency in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
The study aims to document the challenges faced by students with disabilities in accessing education during COVID. The team said they also study other disruptions in the lives of children with disabilities, their families, and teachers – the economic and health issues, lack of access to food, medical care, and rehabilitation.
Lack of appropriate teaching materials, inability to understand lessons or complete assignments, lack of interpreters and audio descriptions on TV lessons for children with hearing and vision disabilities, and lack of social interaction were among children with intellectual disabilities in this period.
The team made its recommendations to the Ministry of Education at the Centre and the states and the ministry of social justice and empowerment. It recommended, “greater inclusion” for children with disabilities by identifying their needs through face-to-face interaction and remotely, but without compromising quality. Children with disabilities are at high risk of dropping out, and many have discontinued education during the pandemic.
The team said the way forward is to reopen hostels/residential schools to educate children with disabilities by following the COVID-19 protocol.
