Efforts towards inclusive education

Pages: 116-121
Janet Fernandes and Anuradha Kakodkar (Department of Psychology, St Xaviers College, Goa)

The present study explores efforts towards inclusive education in selected schools of North Goa. Education of persons with disability is an integral part of the educational system. Using the interview method, data is collected from selected schools based on three areas of inclusion, namely: inclusive culture, inclusive policies and inclusive practices. The data points to the fact that education in India is changing but more needs to be done to ensure that students of all levels of ability receive the education they deserve. The study makes an attempt to uncover gaps that exists between the ideal situation conceptualized in the inclusive policy and the present ground reality. Inclusive education is a big and difficult task but if it has to move from a dream to reality, there has to be a will to create a way. Inclusive education needs to have a holistic and comprehensive approach focused on the belief that ‘every child is capable of learning’. The study concludes with recommendations for effective implementation of inclusive education in schools.