Delhi DoE Directs Special Schools to Comply with Inclusive Education Standards

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed all 12 special schools serving students with disabilities to ensure full compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016 and the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In a directive issued on October 22, 2024, school heads were instructed to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) by November 5, outlining their progress in meeting the requirements for inclusive education.

Compliance Requirements

The DoE has mandated that all 19 provisions for inclusive education be strictly implemented. Key directives include:

• Class Placement and Online Assessments: Schools must admit students into appropriate classes based on their age and abilities, and facilitate assessments through online platforms where necessary.
• Provision of Aids, Appliances, and Smart Classrooms: Schools are required to offer free aids, appliances, and set up smart classrooms to support learning.
• Specialized Training: Schools must provide training in Braille, sign language, and other communication skills as needed.

Enhanced Support and Documentation

In addition to instructional provisions, schools must focus on administrative and safety measures, including:

• Scheduled Support from Special Education Teachers: Schools should establish structured schedules for special education teachers to offer consistent support.
• Maintenance of Student Records: Records of students’ disability certificates and Unique Disability IDs (UDID) should be maintained and updated regularly.
• Student Assessments and Case Studies: Schools must conduct thorough case studies and facilitate regular evaluations for each student’s educational progress.

Facilities and Safety Measures

The directive also emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment tailored to the physical, psychological, and social needs of students:

• Dedicated Spaces: Recreational rooms, multipurpose halls, emergency rooms, and time-out zones should be established.
• CCTV Installation: CCTV cameras are to be installed to strengthen safety protocols for students with disabilities.

The DoE’s stringent guidelines aim to ensure that students with disabilities receive the necessary support and facilities, promoting a genuinely inclusive learning environment in line with the RPWD Act 2016 and NEP 2020.