The Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), the Commonwealth of Learning’s regional centre, is set to enhance inclusive education in India by developing a specialised course that equips schoolteachers with the skills to effectively use assistive technology (AT) for integrating children with disabilities (CWD) into mainstream classrooms. This initiative is expected to foster a more equitable educational environment across India.

In collaboration with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), CEMCA commenced the project with a consultative meeting at their Delhi headquarters. It engaged 21 stakeholders, including teachers, experts, and representatives from organisations like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), ChangeInkk Foundation, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) and UNESCO New Delhi. The meeting assessed current inclusive practices in Indian schools and gathered critical insights to shape the course content.

Moderated by Professor Yukti Sharma from Delhi University, the discussions focused on the challenges faced by teachers in identifying, accommodating and integrating CWD. The experts highlighted how AT could bridge these gaps and offered recommendations to refine the course structure to meet practical needs in the field. All participants agreed on the course’s potential to significantly contribute to inclusive education in India.

CEMCA Director Dr B. Shadrach emphasised the urgent need for the implementation of inclusive education policies, particularly in rural government schools. He stressed the importance of empowering teachers with tools and technologies to promote inclusivity.