Shillong, Aug 21: Over 3,000 Children with Special Needs (CwSN) in Meghalaya have been served through various interventions under the inclusive education framework in the past five years, according to data released during a review meeting here on Friday.
Around 30,000 CwSNs have benefited by the interventions during the same period across North Eastern region, including 3,085 CwSNs in Meghalaya.
The data was shared during the Integrated State Review Meeting of District Officers, Special Educators and District IE Coordinators organised by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) in collaboration with Samagra Shiksha, Meghalaya at Shillong Club.
Chaired by State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Richa Kulkarni, the meeting brought together district functionaries, special educators and ALIMCO officials to deliberate on challenges and gaps in strengthening support systems for CwSN.
Addressing the gathering, Kulkarni emphasized the need to move beyond the medical model of disability towards a social model, where the focus is on adapting the environment, educational systems and technology to meet individual needs rather than viewing disability as something to be “fixed” in a child.
She said inclusive education requires greater sensitivity from teachers, parents and society, and stressed the importance of grassroots feedback from field functionaries who understand the lived realities of children with disabilities.
Kulkarni also flagged challenges posed by Meghalaya’s difficult terrain and gaps in digital connectivity that affect delivery of technology-enabled interventions in remote areas.
ALIMCO later made a detailed presentation on its initiatives, followed by an interactive session where participants discussed issues related to accessibility, assistive support, infrastructure, awareness and identification of needs at the field level.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of ALIMCO and Samagra Shiksha towards building a more responsive and inclusive education ecosystem for Children with Special Needs.
