Despite being enrolled in mainstream schools, many children with disabilities, like Umrah Khan, still face numerous challenges. Umrah, a Class VIII student with dwarfism, has shared her experiences of exclusion and bullying due to her height. Her story is one of many, as children with disabilities struggle to navigate an education system that remains largely inaccessible.
Even though the Right to Education Act was introduced in 2009 to promote the inclusion of disabled students, many still face obstacles such as denial of admission, a lack of special education teachers, and irregular classes. While there have been efforts to address these issues, the reality is that over 45% of disabled individuals in India remain illiterate, and a large portion of those who do complete their education still struggle to find employment.
Disabled students are also more vulnerable to bullying and violence within educational institutions, reflecting a broader societal desensitization to the challenges they face. For example, Neena Wagh, whose autistic son was physically reprimanded by a neighbor for his behavior, turned her personal experience into a mission to raise awareness and provide support for autistic children through her organization.
The national budget allocation for supporting persons with disabilities remains low, and although recent efforts have been made to provide services for younger children, much work remains. The gap between legislation and the implementation of policies is significant, with schools still lacking basic accessible infrastructure like ramps and suitable toilets.
A conference addressing the issues faced by disabled children highlighted the importance of bridging these gaps and implementing policies effectively. Initiatives like the "Street to Strength" campaign aim to spread awareness about the rights of children in educational institutions through various engaging mediums, hoping to foster a more inclusive environment for all.
