In an effort to eliminate the discrepancy in access to quality education for children with disabilities, Cross the Hurdles, a non-profit organisation, has launched online courses. It’s a first-of-its-kind initiative and the organisation hopes to at least reduce the disparity, if not fully eliminate it.
What’s the Program About?
Under the program, students can receive lessons from a specialised virtual classroom online from the convenience of their homes. All that the students will require are a computer that is equipped with microphone and headset, and high-speed internet. Through this medium, they can take customised lessons from teachers virtually.
President of Cross the Hurdles, Abha Khetarpal, stated that the required inclusive education was failed to be provided by successive governments. She said that the lack of awareness about these students’ needs and the facilities they require are the constraints the governments face.
The group has taken up the responsibility to teach the less-privileged part of the society with the online platform, and they’re focusing on teaching mathematics, science, social studies, English, Hindi and Sanskrit.
Plans by the Organisation
Khetarpal said that basic knowledge about various subjects will be taught to those students with disabilities who aren’t currently going to any school. Besides, extra coaching can be availed of right at home by those students who have joined any institution.
Qualified volunteers, special educators and expert subject teachers will conduct these classes. CBSE syllabus will be followed to teach those children who are studying through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or attending regular schools. However, the special educators will decide and develop the course material for students with intellectual disabilities.
Khetrapal added that, in addition to being useful for children with disabilities and unable to attend a regular school, the program could prove useful for children with dyslexia, aspersers’ syndrome, ADHD, dyscalculia, and other learning disabilities.
The program will allow the students to get access to live text chat, double-way audio-video streaming, and live video-streaming of the teacher. The private chats will help shy students as teachers can pay attention to them through this.