Inclusive Education for Visually Impaired Children: Drivers, Challenges, and Implications in India

Inclusive education supports children with visual disabilities through equitable learning opportunities and involvement in social settings. This study helps to understand the facilitators and inhibitors in the context of inclusive education in India for children with visual impairment (CVI’s). It was conducted in selected districts of West Bengal, Bihar and Rajasthan with a focus on perception of teachers, availability of resources, integration of ICT as well as participation of the students. The study highlighted that the positive attitude of teachers, accessibility of learning material, support from government and involvement of parents have a significant effect on inclusion of CVI’s. On the other hand, large class size, limited specialized training as well as ICT understanding and low community engagement acted as inhibiting factors. Schools will be able to address these factors through proper integration of inclusive education, improve the academic outcome and social engagement through integration of ICT, community involvement, timely accessibility of resources and professional skill development.