[EDLING:1285] All teachers must learn sign language, Braille

[Francis M. Hult]

Hindustan Times

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1638421,0015002500010002.htm

All teachers must learn sign language, Braille

RAJEEV Mullick
February 28

NEED PHYSICALLY challenged children be treated ‘differently’ and sent 
to ‘different’ schools? Certainly not if teachers of regular schools learn a 
little bit of sign language and Braille so that these children can be 
accommodated in regular classrooms alongside normal kids!

This observation comes from Raman Shankar, Deputy Director, Education, Braille 
Programme & Talking Book Centre of National Association for the Blind (NAB). 
Shankar is himself visually challenged. He says, “Anyone can learn the sign 
language or Braille in a few days. If teachers can put in a little effort they 
can do wonders for physically challenged children.”

Shankar was speaking at a sensitisation programme for school principals and 
administrators for inclusion of disabled children in regular schools organised 
by the NAB, UP State Branch, Lucknow on Tuesday. “If a visually or a hearing 
impaired child is in the class, then a teacher can ease much of his problem by 
reading a little loudly while writing on the board. The teacher can also 
further facilitate the learning experience by using Brailee and sign 
language,” he said.

However, he reiterated that this did not mean that special schools should be 
done away with. “Since not all disabled children can be given admission in 
normal schools, special schools will continue to have their own importance,” 
he said.

Shankar emphasised that normal schools should develop support mechanism tools 
required for the convenience of disabled children.

SCORE Foundation CEO George Abraham said, “There is a myth that disabled 
people need to be kept away from the mainstream. Both society and schools must 
take upon themselves the onus of diluting this myth.” Why inclusion of 
disabled persons in normal schools is not taking place at a fast pace? “Common 
people’s experience with the handicapped is limited and that gives rise to 
negatively. Our mindset is blocking their opportunities,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion Rohit Nandan, Secretary, Handicap Welfare Department 
announced that a ramp will come up in all basic schools of the state by 2006-
07 so that physically challenged students can easily reach their 
classrooms. “Mere education will not serve the purpose. Such children need to 
be rehabilitated as well,” he said.

LU V-C RP Singh laid stress on the empowerment of special children. He 
regretted that the bureaucracy was indifferent to the problems faced by 
physically challenged persons. Amita Dubey, the honorary general secretary of 
NAB, UP State Branch, Lucknow, highlighted the various projects of the NAB for 
the rehabilitation of special children