Status of Inclusive Education for Visually Impaired Students of India in 20th Century

Every individual is unique and are born with some special abilities. Education is a powerful force which helps people to realize their potentials and nurture their inner abilities. When an individual is substantially limited in terms of one or more major life activity it is called disability. Like all other impairments, visual impairment disables a person to a great extent. In fact children with visual impairment face a number of challenges in acquisition of formal education which is considered as the most powerful weapon to overcome disability. In 20th century, it is of utmost importance for the society to bring all children regardless of caste, creed or abilities under the same umbrella educationally. This necessitates inclusive educational systems where general education is provided to all students through high-quality instructions, intervention, proper infrastructure and support. With the help of secondary data, the present study aims to explore the status of inclusive education in India, for visually impaired students. The objectives of the present study are to understand the concept of inclusive education in 20th century; know the difference between inclusive education and special education; enumerate the problems of inclusive education in India; and suggest ways and means to solve such problems. From an extensive review of related literature it has been found that it is difficult to have proper, functional inclusive set-ups in India. The major problems are lack of infrastructure, trained teacher, funding etc. However such education is important for visually impaired students because in India about 2.21 % of the total population is disabled, out of which 19 % are visually impaired. Nobody likes to be treated differently. Inclusion increases self confidence and helps these children to easily blend into the core of the society.