Empowering Visually Impaired Children in India
The rights and welfare of persons with disabilities have gained significant attention in India, particularly with the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act in 2016. This legislation aims to ensure inclusive education and support for children with disabilities. The government has made strides in providing educational resources and financial assistance to empower these individuals. This article explores the initiatives taken by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) and the various schemes implemented to support visually impaired children.
The RPwD Act and Its Implications
The RPwD Act, which came into effect on April 19, 2017, recognizes the rights of persons with disabilities in India. It emphasizes the need for inclusive education, particularly for children with benchmark disabilities, defined as those with a disability of 40% or more. Sections 16 and 17 of the Act specifically address the importance of providing inclusive educational environments. Additionally, Section 31 mandates free education for children with benchmark disabilities.
While the responsibility for implementing these provisions lies primarily with state governments, the central government plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts. By providing financial assistance and resources, the central government aims to enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities. This collaborative approach ensures that children with disabilities receive the education and support they need to thrive in society.
NIEPVD: A Beacon of Hope for Visually Impaired Children
The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is a key player in the education of visually impaired children. The institute runs a Senior Secondary Model School that caters to 248 children with visual impairments, offering education from nursery to Class 12. This school is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), ensuring that students receive a quality education.
To facilitate learning, NIEPVD provides accessible learning materials tailored to the needs of visually impaired students. These materials include E-Pub/Daisy formats, human-narrated recordings, large print and audio books, and tactile diagrams. The institute also offers online services through Sugamya Pustakalya, making educational resources more accessible. By utilizing these innovative tools, NIEPVD ensures that visually impaired children have the same opportunities for learning as their sighted peers.
Major Schemes for Empowering Persons with Disabilities
The government has implemented several major schemes to support the education and welfare of persons with disabilities. One such initiative is the Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), which provides financial assistance to voluntary organizations. These organizations run various projects aimed at empowering persons with disabilities, including special schools for children with visual disabilities. The scheme also supports home-based and community-based rehabilitation projects.
Additionally, the government offers scholarships for students with benchmark disabilities through an umbrella scheme. This initiative helps alleviate the financial burden on families and encourages students to pursue their education. The National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities (NAP-SDP) further enhances opportunities for skill development among visually impaired children. Moreover, tuition fees for blind students pursuing STEM subjects from Class 9 to Class 12 are reimbursed through national institutes, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their education.
Inclusive Education Under Samagra Shiksha Scheme
The Department of School Education & Literacy has launched the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, which aims to provide quality education to all children, including those with special needs. This overarching program includes a dedicated component for inclusive education, ensuring that children with disabilities are integrated into mainstream schools. The scheme covers all disabilities listed in the RPwD Act, promoting an inclusive educational environment.
By focusing on inclusive education, the government aims to break down barriers and foster a sense of belonging among children with disabilities. This approach not only benefits the students but also raises awareness and understanding within the broader community. The Samagra Shiksha Scheme represents a significant step towards creating an equitable education system for all children in India.
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