Inclusive Education-Not Segregation
DSET Union Punjab proposes special needs children's integration
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, September 15, 2024: Expressing concern over the growing demand for separate schools for children with special needs, Bhupinder Singh, the state president of DSET (Directorate of Secondary Education Teachers Union) Punjab advocated for a unified education system that benefits all children, regardless of their needs.
Bhupinder Singh said that during his school visits, he encountered numerous people who advocated for segregated institutions, a notion he finds deeply troubling. “It’s disheartening to hear these opinions, as they suggest creating a separate society for children with special needs,” said Singh. He emphasized that while teachers often focus on the challenges of accommodating these students within classrooms, few consider the bigger picture: once outside school, these children must interact and thrive in the same world as everyone else.
Singh questioned the logic of special schools, asking, “Do we expect these children to remain within the confines of school for the rest of their lives?” He argued that if we start creating separate schools, the next step would be special malls, factories, and shops, resulting in an isolated existence for special needs children.
Instead of segregation, Singh proposed a more inclusive solution. He called for the presence of special educators in every school to help integrate these children into mainstream society. He also urged regular teachers to become more understanding of the needs of special children, moving away from the idea of separate institutions and embracing inclusivity.