Efforts to strengthen inclusive education practices in North Andaman took shape at Diglipur on December 16, with the Block Project Office of Inclusive Education under Samagra Shiksha organising a one-day orientation programme focused on the inclusion of children with hearing impairment. The programme was held at GSSS Kishorinagar and brought together educators and stakeholders involved in school-level implementation of inclusive education.
The orientation aimed to build awareness and capacity among teachers and education functionaries on addressing the specific needs of children with hearing impairment. Emphasis was placed on early identification, appropriate intervention strategies and the role of schools in creating supportive learning environments for children with special needs.
Inaugurating the programme, the Vice Principal of GSSS Kishorinagar highlighted the importance of inclusive education in ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities. The address underlined the need for early intervention in cases of hearing impairment, noting that timely support can significantly improve learning outcomes and social integration for affected children.
The programme featured seven structured sessions that covered a range of topics related to communication and intervention strategies. Participants were introduced to basic communication techniques aimed at improving interaction with children who have hearing impairment. These sessions focused on practical approaches that can be adopted in classroom settings to facilitate better understanding and participation.
Special attention was given to intervention methods such as vision stimulation therapy, which plays a supportive role in enhancing learning for children with hearing challenges. The sessions also covered the use of assistive technologies, including cochlear implants, and their role in supporting auditory development. Discussions highlighted the importance of aligning educational strategies with medical and therapeutic interventions for comprehensive support.
The orientation programme sought to familiarise educators with the broader objectives of the Inclusive Education component under Samagra Shiksha, which aims to ensure that children with special needs receive appropriate support within mainstream schooling. Participants were encouraged to adopt inclusive teaching practices and to work closely with parents and specialists to address individual learning requirements.
Officials associated with the programme emphasised that building teacher capacity is central to the success of inclusive education initiatives. By equipping educators with practical knowledge and skills, the programme aimed to strengthen the implementation of inclusive education policies at the school level.
The event also provided a platform for interaction and experience-sharing among participants, allowing educators to discuss challenges faced in classrooms and explore possible solutions. Issues such as accessibility, availability of resources and the need for continuous professional development were discussed during the sessions.
The orientation at Diglipur reflects ongoing efforts under Samagra Shiksha to promote inclusive education across the islands. By focusing on hearing impairment, the programme addressed a critical area of need, with officials indicating that similar capacity-building initiatives would continue to support inclusive practices in schools.
