In a class of their own: Special kids shine in regular schools

MUMBAI: On the afternoon of May 7 when results of CBSE class 10 were declared, Rupali Nayak’s phone rang incessantly as friends and relatives called to congratulate the family on their daughter’s performance. Just a few years ago schools in Mumbai had refused admission to her daughter, Mamta, who suffers from cerebral palsy, which makes it difficult for her to walk independently or communicate. This year, 17-year-old Mamta made her school -- Rajhans Vidyalaya in Andheri West -- proud when she scored 90.4% in her board exams while juggling classes, daily physiotherapy and speech lessons.

Schools in India now have begun to understand that the education of children with disabilities hinges on removal of barriers they face -- such as lack of physical access to classrooms -- and stigma that keeps them shut at home. Many mainstream institutions have not only adopted flexible schedules and practices but also rolled out infrastructural changes to embrace an inclusive pedagogy in classrooms.