Question : EDUCATION TO HANDICAPPED UNDER SSA

(a) whether there is any provision to impart education to blind and handicapped children under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether complaints have been received regarding inadequate funds sanctioned to provide special training and facilities to blind and handicapped children;

(d) if so, whether the Government proposes to enhance the amount;

(e) whether the Government is taking any steps to provide any help to blind students, similar to the braile book published by National Institute of Visually Handicapped, Dehradun; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) & (b) SSA endeavours to provide meaningful and quality education to every child with special needs, irrespective of the kind, category and degree of disability. All general interventions available under SSA, such as textbooks, uniforms, etc., are also available to children with special needs. In addition, SSA makes provisions for barrier free access through ramps and handrails, disabled-friendly toilets, free assistive aids and appliances, including low vision aids, magnifying lenses and glasses for children with low vision. In the case of children with total blindness, SSA makes provision for Braille textbooks.

(c) & (d) No complaints have been received regarding inadequate funds sanctioned to provide special training and facilities to blind and handicapped children.

(e) & (f) Under SSA – RTE, blind students are provided Braille and large print books free of cost. In 2011-12 till 30th September 2011, 16,224 students have been provided Braille books.