Summary of workshop on RTE and Disability

Purpose of the workshop: How to Ensure Education of children with disabilities in RTE ACT and how the rules should be for the effective implementation.

KARO and KCRO with support of World Vision India, SAMUHA, Child Right Trust and SAMA Foundation organised two days consultation on 22nd and 23rd September 2010 at THE BELL HOTEL, Bangalore.

52 delegates participated in this consultation, representing DPOs, Parents association and NGOs majority are from Bangalore and few from other districts.

Mr.I.M.Kachvi-President of KARO, Mr.SriRamappa-Country Director of Every Child-India, Mr.Vasudeva Sharma-Member of CPCR, Mr. Padmanaban-Programme Officer of SSA -Special Project and Ms. Manjula KARO member inaugurated the consultation by lighting the lamp. Mr.SriRamappa addressed the delegates on the theme “EDUCATION FOR LIVELIHOOD”.

Mr.Vasudeva Sharma, Member of Commission for Protection for Child Rights briefed about the history of Right to Education Act, Concept and provisions of Right to Education and how we can use effectively RTE Act in spite of flaws in the Act in the context of children with disabilities.

Mr.Padamanaban, Assistant Programme officer presented about the programmes of SSA in the context of Children with disabilities.

Ms. Manjula Nanjundaiah shared on theme of ACCEPTING DIVERSITY – INCLUSIVE, LEARNING FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT – UNESCO TOOL KIT.

Later group discussion on RTE ACT – what should be there in the RTE ACT if the education system should be inclusive and learning friendly.

DAY – 2
The following resource persons shared the specific educational needs on the respective category, Myths and Barriers in the education system and society and what should be there in the RTE ACT.

Mr.Anand from IAR India – Children with visually impaired

Ms.Usha from RV Integrated Scholl – Children with Speech and hearing

Mr.Venkatesh from KPAMRC – Children with Mentally Retardation

Ms.Padma from Spastic Society of Karnataka – Children with Cerebral palsy and learning disability

Ms.Ruby Singh – Children with Autism

Afternoon group discussion on RTE Rules – What should be there in the rules in order to ensure the quality education of children with disabilities?

Afternoon Mr.Rajanna, State Commissioner of Disabilities joined the consultation.

Mr.Ramanathan, State Secretary of KARO briefed to State Commissioner presented the purpose, issues identified and recommendation in front the State Commissioner and requested his action on this pathetic situation.

Mr. Rajanna, State Commissioner of Disabilities addressed the delegates on the negative attitude of Government officials in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. He assured that Commissioner Office will also do the follow-up with Education department for the proper implementation.

Major Issue Identified
SSA totally lacks in the perspective and ACTION regarding Inclusive and learning friendly education system.
As of now SSA is majorly focusing on Medical rehabilitation like organising camp and providing aids and appliances instead of focusing on educational needs of children with disabilities.
In spite of having clear guild lines on barrier free school, the implementation are very poor not even disabled friendly toilet is available in the schools.
The present structure to implement the inclusive education is in adequate
SSA is not actively involving with the disability community and sector for the better implementation.

Action Plan
Before 27th Sep 2010, KARO should circulate the recommendation came up in the consultation to the disability community and sector for their opinions, suggestion and remarks.
Alliance or forum consisting DPOs, Parents association and NGOs will be initiated to advocate and lobby with Education Department to ensure the quality education for children with disabilities. The whole delegates suggested that KARO should lead this initiative.


Note: detail report and Recommendation came up for the Draft rules will be circulate on 27th September 2010.

RAM - KARO