Students with disabilities integrated into classrooms in Kanchanpur schools

Kanchanpur: At Purnima Basic School in Balmi, Laljhandi Rural Municipality-3, students with physical disabilities are studying alongside their peers in an inclusive classroom setting.

Although separate teachers are arranged for children with disabilities, they are taught together with other students to ensure they are not deprived of education, said Principal Lok Bahadur Wadayak. According to him, four students with disabilities were admitted to the school this year alone.

With support from a donor agency, a dedicated teacher has been assigned to the child development class for students with disabilities. “We identified disabled children in the ward and admitted them to the school,” Wadayak said. “We want them to gain confidence and motivation by learning with others.”

He noted that the children have shown progress since enrollment. “In Grade 5, one student cannot see or speak, but we are encouraging them to develop an interest in studies,” he added.

Among the newly enrolled students is Mayank Rana of Balmi, who previously could not leave his room due to his disability. “I never imagined my son would be able to attend school,” said his mother, Mrs. Rana. “Now he is walking a little, attending classes, and I personally take him to and from school.” She shared her joy, explaining that despite years of hospital visits with no improvement, her son has made noticeable progress since joining school.

Currently, three children with disabilities are studying in the child development class at Purnima Basic School. Similarly, Bhanu Secondary School in the same area has also taken the initiative to teach students with disabilities.

Principal Ved Prasad Upadhyay of Bhanu Secondary School said the school has been organizing classes to accommodate children with various physical challenges. “We are supporting students with hearing difficulties, those unable to read the board from the back, and those with other physical disabilities by seating them separately in class,” he said. “This year, through our student enrollment campaign, we admitted 23 children with disabilities who previously lacked access to education.”

Although there is a general provision for separate schools for disabled children, such institutions are absent in this region, leaving many deprived of education. However, with these two schools embracing inclusivity, parents say it has become easier for children with disabilities to pursue their studies alongside other students.