In a society like ours, children with special needs have limited access to suitable facilities when it comes to infrastructure or communication. But off late, special schools are coming up in the city which provide inclusive set ups for these children. But does it really benefit the child? Read on to find out what are the pros and cons of these schools that are meant to provide a favorable environment to children with special needs.
Do we really need special schools?
Children with learning disabilities like dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia or intellectual disabilities like mental retardation usually go to a special school that is designed to understand them and help them grow. However, many regular schools too have inclusive set ups in the form of resource rooms that aid the needs of these children. Hence the question arises – why do we need special schools?
A senior special educator who did not wish to be named from JBCN PAN Academy, Lower Parel says, “Special schools are designed in a specific way that caters to the exact needs of children with disabilities. In special schools, learning and teaching methods are different, there is a regulated pace of teaching, teachers trained in special education teach the students, there is an individualized education plan for each child, students also get an opportunity to develop various skills and build self-confidence and self-esteem. Lastly there is a lower student-teacher ratio. Such setups benefit students with needs like mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, the visual impaired or the hearing and speech impaired.”
Ridhi Makarh with special kids
Special schools are also proven to help children with severe disabilities like autism as they provide a conducive environment and alter their teaching methods which is as basic as teaching them how to open the door. Ridhi Makarh, paraeducator and a private special educator says, “Special schools do have several benefits but an inclusive set up in a regular school is also very helpful if there are certain changes made in the curriculum. It also depends on the disability of the child. Children with learning disabilities can be put into regular schools but special attention should be provided at developing their skills. They generally have average to superior intelligence, no physical disabilities and can match up to a learning pace expected in regular schools. Even an autistic child can be put into an inclusive setup but a lot of modification is needed in the curriculum and teaching methods. Autistic children lack social skills and such a topic is not taught by any national or international board but it is essential for schools to provide it.”
When is an inclusive school enough for a special child?
Inclusive setups in a regular school for children with special needs is therefore beneficial only if the school offers a well-equipped resource room, trained special educators to deal with the varied disabilities, various therapies as per specification of the disabilities, an individualized education plan and a low student teacher ratio.
Nikita Mehta
Talking about the benefits of inclusive setups and their effectiveness, Nikita Mehta, another special educator from Samarpan School adds, “When it comes to children with severe disabilities, inclusive setups can do nothing whereas, children with less severe disabilities can be in an inclusive setup that will encourage social acceptance of their difficulties and disabilities. They also learn how to make friends and get a sense of achievement when a task is completed.”
While a whole lot of benefits can be found in both setups, sometimes a few children don’t adjust to the environment in regular schools and find it pressurizing. Ridhi adds, “If a child is 80 to 90% dependent on another person, a special school can provide a better future and development but if the same child is admitted in a regular school, he/she will be pressurized. A child who is severely disabled and doesn’t understand the concept of society shouldn’t be pulled into it. It’s only an added pressure.”
Parents Say
Sameena Shaikh, mother of a child with Down’s Syndrome says, “My daughter Rimsha was in Podar International School and enjoyed it until she realized that there were a few things that kept her apart from the others. This damaged her confidence. But in a special school, the setup doesn’t make the children feel that they have any shortcomings and they are always made to do things that they can which builds their confidence. Rimsha even interacts with other people now and for her, school is just like every other school.”
There has also been a rise in the number of special school in our country which is mostly regarded as a result of the increased awareness about children with special needs. Ridhi adds, “Initially people also didn’t know how to function the lives of special kids hence they were home-bound but education and globalization has increased awareness. However, there is a rise in the number of special schools also. Media, the government and research has made the society more aware and accepting of their difficulties.”
Finally, parents need to consult specialists and also assess their children to see what kind of school will be best suited for their child’s education. Would an inclusive school help or will it pressurize the child? Would a special school assist in making the child self reliable or will it create a hindrance in his social life. It is an important decision and a tough one for parents.
List of special schools in Mumbai
Little Angels School
Rao Memorial Building, Dr Ambedkar Road, Pali Pathar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400050
022 2649 5020
www.littleangelsindia.com
J. B. C. N. Pan Academy
Bldg C-160, Sunmill Compoud
Lower Parel, Mumbai
022 3254 2211
www.jbcnpan.com
Helen Keller Institute For Deaf & Blind
GR Flr Muncipal Secondary School South Wing, Nr S Bridge, N M Joshi Marg, Byculla, Mumbai
022 23087052
www.helenkellerinstitutefordeafanddeafblind.org
Sols Arc
C/5 Al-Hafiz Manzil, Ready Money Compound, Clare Road, Byculla, Mumbai
9322699195
www.solsarc.org
SPJ Sadhana School
Sophia College Campus
B.D. Road, Mumbai 400 026
022 23517913 / 022 23510853
www.spjsadhana.org
Dilkhush Special School
Juhu Road
Juhu
Mumbai – 400049
022 26151304/ 022 26105162
Sulabha School for Mentally Retarded Children
8/3 Tilak Nagar
Chembur
Mumbai
022-2522 9660
www.sulabhaspecialschool.org
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