The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all its affiliated schools to conduct a 30-minute sensitisation and orientation session on October 7 to promote awareness about Children with Special Needs (CwSN) and strengthen inclusive practices in schools.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that school staff understand the needs, challenges and rights of children with disabilities and create a more inclusive, supportive and accessible learning environment for them.
Session for Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff
According to the CBSE directive, the session is not limited to teachers. Both teaching and non-teaching staff are expected to participate. This includes school administrators, drivers, clerical staff, receptionists, wardens and other support personnel who interact with students during their daily school activities.
The board emphasised that creating an inclusive school environment requires awareness and sensitivity among all members of the school community, rather than teachers alone.
PRASHAST Module to Guide the Session
The sensitisation programme will use the PRASHAST (Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool) module, which focuses on identifying and understanding the needs of children with disabilities.
Through the session, school personnel will be encouraged to develop greater empathy, sensitivity and awareness while interacting with students with special needs. The programme is also expected to help staff understand appropriate ways of supporting such students in classrooms and other school settings.
Focus on Inclusive Education
The CBSE initiative comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen inclusive education and ensure that children with special needs receive equal opportunities to learn and participate in school activities.
The sensitisation programme aims to encourage schools to move beyond academic support and create an environment where students with disabilities feel respected, accepted and included in the school community.
The CBSE has also encouraged schools to use the session as an opportunity to discuss practical measures that can make their campuses and everyday practices more accessible and student-friendly.
The initiative highlights the importance of building a school culture where every child can learn, participate and grow without discrimination or barriers.
