Which of the following mentioned inclusive education as, "to integrate the handicapped with general community at all levels as equal partners, to prepare them for normal growth and to enable them to face life with courage and confidence"?
National Policy of Education (1986)
Understanding Inclusive Education in Policy Documents
The question asks to identify which specific policy document or declaration defined inclusive education using the particular phrasing: "to integrate the handicapped with general community at all levels as equal partners, to prepare them for normal growth and to enable them to face life with courage and confidence". This definition emphasizes integration and equal participation for individuals with disabilities within the mainstream community.
Analyzing the Options for Inclusive Education Definition
Let's look at the options provided and their general focus regarding education and disability:
- World Declaration on Education for All (1990): This declaration, adopted at the Jomtien conference, focused on meeting the basic learning needs of all children, youth, and adults. While it promoted access and equity, it didn't specifically use the quoted definition for integration of individuals with disabilities.
- Rehabilitation Council of India Act (1992): This act was primarily concerned with regulating the training of rehabilitation professionals and maintaining a Central Rehabilitation Register. Its focus is on rehabilitation services and personnel, not broad educational policy definitions like the one quoted.
- National Policy of Education (1986): The NPE 1986 was a comprehensive policy document covering various aspects of education in India. It addressed the education of children with disabilities (referred to as 'handicapped' at the time) and advocated for their integration into the general education system.
- Scheme of Integrated Education for Disabled children (1974): This was an earlier scheme aimed at providing educational opportunities for children with disabilities in regular schools. While it was about integration, it was a specific program/scheme rather than a comprehensive policy definition.
Focus on National Policy of Education 1986 and Inclusive Education
The National Policy of Education (NPE) 1986 was a significant step towards inclusive practices in India. It recommended placing children with locomotor disabilities and other mild handicaps in regular schools. It also suggested placing children with severe handicaps in special schools. The policy document specifically articulated the goal of integrating individuals with disabilities into the general community.
The exact phrasing quoted in the question, "to integrate the handicapped with general community at all levels as equal partners, to prepare them for normal growth and to enable them to face life with courage and confidence", is indeed found within the National Policy of Education 1986, under the section dealing with the Education of the Handicapped.
Therefore, the National Policy of Education (1986) is the document that contains the specified definition regarding the integration of individuals with disabilities into the general community.
Revision Table: Education Policies and Disability
| Document/Policy | Year | Key Focus (related to Disability/Inclusive Education) |
|---|---|---|
| World Declaration on Education for All | 1990 | Meeting basic learning needs for all; broad access and equity. |
| Rehabilitation Council of India Act | 1992 | Regulating rehabilitation professionals and services. |
| National Policy of Education | 1986 | Comprehensive education policy; advocated for integrating 'handicapped' into general schools. Contains the specific quoted definition. |
| Scheme of Integrated Education for Disabled children | 1974 | Early scheme for integrating disabled children into regular schools. |
Additional Information on Inclusive Education in India
Inclusive education is a constantly evolving concept. While the National Policy of Education 1986 laid important groundwork for integration, later policies and frameworks further strengthened the concept of inclusion, moving towards a system where schools are designed to accommodate all learners, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds.
Key developments include:
- The Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action on Special Needs Education (1994), which strongly advocated for inclusive schools.
- The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (PWD Act), which provided legal backing for integrated education.
- The National Curriculum Framework (2005), which emphasized making the curriculum accessible to all students.
- The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act), which included provisions for children with disabilities.
- The National Policy on Education (2020), which further promotes inclusive and equitable education for all learners, including those with disabilities.
Understanding these different policy milestones helps in tracing the journey towards inclusive education in India.
Important Questions from Inclusive Education
Which of the following is ‘not’ expected from the point view of successful inclusive education ?
The IEDC (Integrated Education for the Disabled) was first launched during:
Which of the following is a benefit of inclusion for students without S.E.N.?
I. May serve as peer tutors during interactional activities.
II. To learn to communicate and deal effectively with a wide range of individuals.
III. Chance to learn about many human device professions.
If a child is exposed to frequent rejections, punishment and teasing by the parents and teachers, usually it may lead to
______ can be cured by rising on the toe, climbing stairs on the toes, rope skipping and cycling.
