Many students who are differently-abled or having some minor injuries have been facing difficulties in attending online coaching and getting clarifications from their teachers. One of the students, who suffer from cerebral palsy, is facing difficulty to interact with her teacher.
A 30-year-old MA student said, “I personally am able to access all my classes and assignments but it is not the same. I am still able to manage somehow but what about those who don’t seek help?” The education has found its way to students amidst pandemic. However, it is not reaching all the students in an efficient manner.
As the data analysis, there are more than 35 crore students in the country. But it is still unclear as of how many people have access to digital communication.
42-year-old LLB students reported to the press that, “A sign language interpreter should be provided if there is a deaf student who is a sign language user. Please ask the deaf student of his/her preference of interpreter. Check ISLRTC (Indian Sign Language Research And Training Centre) or Interpreting associations for requesting interpreting services. As well, ask the deaf student to see what other facilities he/she may need (like a note-taker).” Many deaf students insisted on having sign-language mastered teachers for their education.
Some students with multiple disabilities are raising concerns over their discomforts in accessing the laptop. They confess that online education has brought stress to their learning methods. A student reported that “Since there are no specific guidelines in this regard, it is even harder to advocate for the same with universities.”
Akhila Sivadas, executive director at the Centre for Advocacy and Research, a non-profit organization, said in a statement that the government needs to increase its efficiency in providing education to the differently-abled students.
She also said, “Clearly we are living in times when the government has to walk and talk. This implies that in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, provide online education that is accessible to students with disabilities and shaped in consultation and delivered in collaboration with disabled people’s organizations and networks.”
Shameer Rishad, convenor of the Javed Abidi Foundation said that “There are 21 different disabilities each with their specific needs which need to be allocated the due reasonable accommodation. Secondly, I feel that whenever any decision is being taken, consulting the disabled community is an absolute must.”
Before getting into any decisions, the students need to be consulted with their difficulties and take appropriate decisions. This is an education and there should not be any shortcuts to achieve its motive.
Arman Ali, executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), said that India is facing a huge division in terms of its education for students with disabilities. In particular, visually impaired students face a lot of difficulties in this digital education.
He also questioned, “If you look in the context of semi-urban and rural areas. Sixty-nine percent of the disabled population lives in rural areas. What is the infrastructure available? Digital or e-education doesn’t give a level playing ground to the persons with disabilities. E-education is limited to metro cities and urban areas. How many institutions have a fully functional computer lab? And even if they have one, they don’t have teachers.”
Ali also elaborated on the fact that students from the economically weaker sections of society don’t have much access to digital technology.
He further added that, “Those who have smartphones with internet availability are not aware of the various resources available online for them. Even if they are aware, parents are not well trained or equipped to teach their disabled children.”
“Students with disabilities must be made aware of all the options and the range of choices of e-education available to them in an accessible manner. From the use of community radio to assistive technology, accessible digital technology, sign language interpretation, video conferencing facility, and so on and so forth,” was added by him.