At the Ashoka University Conclave, the Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) stressed that inclusion in education must be a norm, not an exception. The statement calls for a major shift in how schools and universities design their policies, curriculum, and infrastructure for students with disabilities.
I’m writing about this because inclusive education is not just a moral responsibility, it’s a necessity for building a fair and skilled society. In many parts of India, children with disabilities still face barriers—be it physical access to classrooms, a lack of trained teachers, or a rigid curriculum that doesn’t cater to diverse learning needs. When inclusion is treated as an afterthought, it sends the wrong message about equality. By understanding what leaders like the DEPwD Secretary are advocating, we can push for changes in policies, mindsets, and teaching methods so that no student feels left out simply because the system wasn’t built for them.
The Core Message from the Conclave
The conclave brought together educators, policymakers, and disability rights experts to discuss how to make higher education more inclusive. The DEPwD Secretary’s key point was clear: accessibility and inclusion should be embedded into every stage of the education system, right from school admissions to curriculum design and campus facilities.
Key Areas Where Change is Needed
- Universal Design of Learning: Classrooms and teaching methods should cater to all kinds of learners, including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.
- Teacher Training: Educators need specialised training to support students with varied needs without segregating them.
- Technology Integration: Assistive devices, screen readers, captioning tools, and other technologies must be widely available.
- Policy Enforcement: Inclusion shouldn’t just be a guideline on paper but a measurable and enforced requirement.
Why Inclusion Benefits Everyone
Inclusive education is not charity—it’s smart policy. When students of all abilities learn together, it creates a more empathetic, collaborative, and innovative environment. Studies show that such settings help all students develop stronger problem-solving skills, better communication, and greater respect for differences.
Moving Beyond Tokenism
A ramp at the school gate is not enough. Inclusion means ensuring the student can participate fully in classroom discussions, extracurricular activities, and assessments. It also means providing counselling and peer support systems so students with disabilities are not isolated socially.
