A Report – Inclusive Education Workshop
“VOICE OF YOUNG PEOPLE MATTERS”
KHAITAN SCHOOL
Date: 31.07.24
Venue: India International Centre, Max Mueller Marg, Lodi Estate, New Delhi
Time: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Attended by: Two students -Yashvi Gupta (class 11), Ansh Singh (Class 8)
Two teachers-Ms. Anu Walia and Ms. Kuheli Chatterjee
Introduction
The workshop “Voice of Young People Matters” was held on the topic of “Inclusive Education” conducted by GIEN (Global Inclusive Education Network) along with Brotherhood (NGO) and TISS Mumbai.
The workshop brought together students, teachers, special educators, and counselors from different schools and was attended by Deputy Director National Centre for Disability Studies IGNOU, Founding Chairman of World Blind Cricket Council and spokesperson from Ministry of Empowerment of People with Disabilities. A detailed and successful conference was held that aimed to provide the development of an educational environment that caters to the diverse needs of all learners.
Workshop
A round table conference setting was used where each participant got an opportunity to raise a question/problem related to the concept of inclusive education. The students came up with innovative questions and a brief discussion was held on the same which provided propitious outputs and ideas.
These ideas focused on practical strategies promoting equitable learning opportunities for all students, especially for those who are differently abled.
- Differentiated Instruction: Techniques for tailoring teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Frameworks for creating accessible and engaging learning environments.
- Behavioral Interventions: Approaches for managing and supporting students with behavioral challenges.
- Implication of policies and disciplinaries: The students discussed the role of policy in promoting inclusive education and shared experiences from different educational systems. The statements were supported by examples from the RTE Act 2009.
- Technology in Inclusive Education: The conference highlighted the potential of assistive technologies and digital tools such as text-to-speech software, hearing aids, screen readers, magnifiers and communicative devices to enhance learning for students with disabilities.
- Family and Community Engagement: Speakers emphasized the importance of involving families and communities in the educational process to support inclusive practices fostering a nurturing and a welcoming environment.
- Modified School Curricula: The incorporation of Braille textbooks, Large print books, Audiobooks, Fidget tools, Sensory bins, Tactile graphics, Inclusive playground equipment for the differently abled was discussed for the smooth functioning of learning in each and every classroom.
Valuable views and visions were exchanged to provide reasonable accommodation to every child in need. Continued investment in infrastructure and providing awareness was found to be highly efficient and considerate. Speakers were enriched with the positivity of being different and embracing the richness and beauty of diversity. The change in society will only happen when a change within ourselves does. The students in the round table conference agreed upon a change in the mindset of an individual and a society as a whole.
The comprehensive idea of an “Inclusive Ambassador” in every school, was raised and highly appreciated. Different ideas raced towards a single goal of improving the infrastructure in schools in urban as well as rural areas, eradicating the physical barriers faced by differently abled students.
An encompassing discussion was held to eliminate mental barriers as well by creating safe spaces, effective counseling, spreading awareness, understanding acceptance and creating a warm and welcoming environment for all the students with diverse needs in mainstream classroom settings.
Various schools discussed the unique initiatives taken by them inspiring others, reiterating the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in inclusive education. The speakers shared their own stirring experiences which led to a more in-depth analysis of the situation in hand. We, the curious and creative young minds, realized that inclusivity is not just about academics but about friendships too and how the lack of emotional support in such a case affects a being. An inclusive classroom is where every student feels seen, heard and valued.
Closing Remarks
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Mr. George Abraham, the founding chairman of the World Blind Cricket Council. He shared with us his moving journey, the challenges he faced along the way and how he overcame those. He elucidated a concise and constructive approach to advance towards an all-inclusive educational environment.
“TRAP”
T – Technology (The effective use of assistive technology)
R – Relationships (The importance of healthy, supportive and true relationships)
A – Accessibility (The availability and accessibility of necessary tools and support)
P – Pedagogy (Teaching methods adapting to meet the diverse needs of students)
Conclusion
The workshop on Inclusive Education voiced by young minds served as a pivotal platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration. The diverse range of presentations and discussions emphasised on the critical need for inclusive education to ensure all learners have equal access to quality education. The conference highlighted the collective commitment to transforming education systems to be more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all students. The participants left the conference equipped with innovative strategies, new insights, and a strengthened resolve to advocate for and implement inclusive practices in their respective environment.
Yashvi Gupta
Class 11 D
The Khaitan School
Noida