Learning Re-defined.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic since last year has drastically disrupted the overall education system across the globe. It's still doing the same. 

As schools and colleges moved to online classes in a hurry and in an unplanned way,  there was a significant impact on the education of students with disabilities. During the initial phase of the nationwide lockdown, many were not able to attend online classes due to a lack of guidelines and the absence of tools to facilitate students with visual, hearing, or specific learning disabilities. Moreover, the teachers and professors are not equipped with the latest technology and not every student has access to the internet.

The stark reality that hit us was the lack of academic infrastructure for students with disabilities in Indian universities. They had to immediately deal with various challenges. The pandemic brought to light the most critical gap which was lack of access to technology and devices that could have eased the process.

First of all, there's a NEED OF PLANNING. Inclusive education is to be promoted and provisions should be made which can help the students with specific needs and full access to adequate services. To ensure this, we require a coordinated approach that makes universal accessibility norms an integral part of pedagogy and teaching methodology in universities. Inter-ministerial coordination would be required for all-encompassing standardized guidelines for digital education infrastructure. These guidelines will ensure that digital education being imparted in schools and universities is being made available to learners with disabilities.

Then we need a SUPPORT SYSTEM. On the ground, a learning support system needs to be established in each university — both public and private. This may be managed by a dedicated office or center that would ensure a smooth transition for students with disabilities, their integration into the social environment of the campus, access to course material and technologies for improved academic experience, avail academic accommodations, and other pedagogical provisions.