Center for Inclusive Education
As a center for inclusive education for children with various disabilities, Arushi prepares them for integrated education, provides special education to those who require it and also extends counseling for parents. Some students also receive part-time special education along with their regular integrated schooling. Arushi employs specialized teaching staff for this purpose.
Children with disabilities are integrated into regular school after equipping them with school readiness skills.
- Visually impaired are given training in Braille, computer, mathematics and orientation and mobility.
- Hearing impaired children are provided with speech therapy and early language training.
- Children with locomotor disabilities are supported with therapeutic intervention and facilitating barrier free environment.
- Mentally retarded children are provided individualized educational support.
- Adaptive devices, instructional material in alternative formats, uniforms, mid day meals and transport along with extra educational inputs and training in daily living skills are also taken care of.
Milestones in Inclusive Education
- Over 2000 children with disabilities in Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh placed in regular schools with backup support under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
- Inclusion of one page information on 15 different aspects of disabilities, in 6.5 crore textbooks brought out by Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation to generate awareness amongst teachers of regular schools, students and parents.
- Preparation of self learning material on disability for 3 lakh teachers of the state.
- Preparation of 3 video films one each on teaching Braille, teaching Mathematics to the visually impaired, and teaching sign language to the hearing impaired for teachers of schools with support from Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
- Creation and printing of innovative posters for generating awareness on inclusive education with captions from Shri Gulzar, noted writer and lyricist.
- Organizing film festivals showcasing films on disability to spread awareness and help bring the disabled to the mainstream.
- Aadhar: In an effort to make the persons with disability aware of their constitutional rights and schemes meant for their welfare, Arushi has compiled ADHAAR, a booklet on Concessions and Facilities offered by the State and Central Governments from time to time for persons with disabilities. This booklet is very helpful for special children and their guardians who live in remote and inaccessible villages and cannot find information regarding relevant provisions available to them.
Model School
In 55 villages of the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh, Arushi is working in collaboration with a UK-based organization Leonard Cheshire Intl (LCI) towards inclusive education. Its efforts have led to a model in inclusive education. Govt. School at GUDBHELA is equipped with all the solutions for differently-abled children including ramps, railings, specially-designed toilets, space for wheelchairs and computers with JAWS (read-aloud software) for blind students.
