In recent years, the need to address the special needs of children with learning disability has been understood not only by parents, schools and teachers, but also Govt. institutions. In another landmark decision in this direction, the Delhi High Court has again highlighted the need to have Special Educators in every school. In its ruling the Court made it a must for all private schools to appoint at least two special educators to teach children with special educational needs, and has asked the government to consider reimbursing the salaries that the schools pay to (these) teachers. Currently only 1 per cent of the estimated 2 lakhs children in Delhi with ‘special needs’, have been able to undertake school education. Dr. Geet Oberoi, President Founder of Orkids (a chain of multidisciplinary clinics that provides remedial intervention to children with special needs), says, “I welcome the judgment and hope that the administration in various educational institutions will understand this grave matter and take suitable steps soon to appoint special educators in their schools. Recent researches and surveys show that with the increased awareness, especially in the metro cities, the number of children identified with learning disabilities is increasing drastically. Every school must extensively train the teachers and also involve parents, to identify the symptoms of Learning Disabilities and address the requirements of children who need specialised remedial intervention.” Unfortunately, while many such decisions have been taken by the judiciary, not much has been achieved till now. All schools need to equip themselves to cater to the needs of a diverse set of learners in their classrooms.
Read More...