The book ‘Disability, Inclusion and Teacher Education’ knits together disability, inclusive education and teacher education, all the three components, to present a holistic understanding of disability inclusion. The clearly stated perspective that disability is not a monolith and that inclusive education is not the option for all categories and degrees of disabilities contextualise the contents and ensure clear understanding. Inclusive classroom is envisaged to have children with mild to moderate degrees of disabilities duly recognising the significance of special schools in the continuum of educational settings for children with disabilities.
Six categories of disability are discussed individually, presenting a deep conceptual understanding, classroom transaction strategies and useful assistive devices under each. Both the academic and the psycho social needs of children and the corresponding classroom adaptations are presented to give a comprehensive picture of inclusive classrooms. Case narrations from the Indian context presented along with each category of disability illuminate the field realities and enhance the richness of the presentation. Implications for teacher education in accordance to the needs of children and roles of the teachers in an inclusive classroom are discussed.
The book is an innovative resource as it takes the reader on a reflective journey aimed at building a holistic perspective among teachers, students, teacher-educators and the practitioners in the field.
Sailaja Chennat is Associate Professor and senior Faculty in the Department of Education, University of Delhi, teaching at B.Ed., M.Ed., M.Phil. and Ph.D. levels. Disability Studies and Inclusive Education have been her primary areas of interest in teaching and research apart from Research Methods and Teacher Education. An edited volume on E-Learning in Teacher Education: Experiences and EmergingIssues and recent publication titled Redefining Disability through Art are part of her academic contributions. She has authored units of ‘The Inclusive School’ of B.Ed curriculum of IGNOU and has been a core member and content editor of the RMSA module on Inclusive Education developed by NCERT.
Dr. Alka Behari has been teaching courses in Teacher Education and Pedagogy at the B Ed, M Ed, M. Phil and Ph. D levels at the Department of Education (CIE), University of Delhi for the last thirty years. In 2018, she authored a Monograph titled, Striving for excellence in Higher Education: Unfolding the Pedagogic Dimensions, under the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of the Delhi University. Inclusive Education is the underlying philosophy that is integral to her Research and Teaching at the Department.
Foreword
Preface
1. Understanding Disability and Inclusion
Sailaja Chennat
Inclusion as a Philosophy and Practice; Disability and Exclusion;
Societal Responses to People with Disability; Perspectives on and Approaches to Disability; Inclusive Education;
Perspective of the Book; How the Book is Useful
2. Rethinking Autism: Challenges and Strategies for Inclusion
Supriya Singh
Introduction; Nature of Autism; Types of Autism;
Understanding the Concerns of Children with Autism;
Challenges Faced by Children with Autism; Challenges faced by Family; Addressing the Challenges;
Attitude of Parents and Society; Use of Technology;
Learning Process for Children with Autism; Conclusion
3. Rethinking Hearing Impairment: Issues, Concerns and Inclusive Practice
Sangeeta Singh
Understanding Hearing Impairment; Intensity Level of Common Sounds;
Communication Needs of Children with Hearing Impairment (CwHI);
Approaches to Communicate with CwHI; Myths and Misconceptions about CwHI;
Behavioural Manifestations of CwHI; Screening and Assessment;
Inclusion of CwHI in Regular Classrooms; Suggestions for the Classroom; Conclusion
4. Intellectual Disability and Inclusionary Practice: The Way Forward
Kavita Ghosh
Causes of Intellectual Disability; Manifestation and Identification of Mild
and Moderate Intellectual Disability; Mild Intellectual Disability;
Moderate Intellectual Disability; Severe or Profound Intellectual Disability;
Misconceptions about Intellectual Disability;
Academic and Psycho-Social Adaptations by the Teacher;
Collaboration between Professionals and the Role of Parents; Conclusion
5. Locomotor Impairment: Perspectives and Concerns about Inclusion
Sailaja Chennat
Nature of Locomotor Impairment; Types of Locomotor Impairment;
Understanding the Concerns of Children with Locomotor Impairment (CwLI);
Challenges Faced by CwLI; Addressing the Challenges;
Attitude of Parents and Society; Assistive Devices; Conclusion
6. Specific Learning Disabilities: Issues and Solutions for Inclusion
Sumita Bhangu
Causes of Specific Learning Disability (SLD);
Behavioural Manifestations; Screening and Assessment;
Role of Parent-teacher Collaboration in the Inclusion of SLD; Challenges Ahead;
Conclusion
7. Visual Impairment and Inclusive Classrooms: Issues and Possibilities
Sangeeta Singh
Understanding Visual Impairment; Characteristics of Children with
Visual Impairment (CwVI); Behavioural Manifestations; Inclusion
of Children with Visual Impairment in Regular Classrooms; Use of
Assistive Devices; Conclusion
8. Teacher Education within the Ambit of Disability and Inclusion: A Reflection
Alka Behari
Summarising the Need and Basis for Teacher Preparation in the Context of Learners with Disabilities;
A Peep into History; Approaches for Teacher Preparation in the Context of Inclusion of Children with Disabilities;
Implications for the Curriculum of Pre-service Teacher Education;
Implications for Pedagogy; Success Stories from the Satya Special School;
Implications for Role, Place and Development of Teacher Educators; Conclusion
Contributors
Index