Kerala’s Academic Plan Recommends Stronger Support for Students with Disabilities

Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has proposed a comprehensive revamp of inclusive education through the draft Samagra Shiksha Quality Education Academic Master Plan, recommending enhanced academic support for children with disabilities in Kerala’s public schools. The plan suggests that students with disabilities should receive the same academic support and accommodations as other students, along with additional assistance where required.
The proposed framework aims to reinforce inclusive education by introducing subject- and class-specific strategies tailored to individual learning needs. The plan emphasises continuous refinement of teaching practices and the identification and development of students’ creative abilities. It also calls for the integration of modern tools, including computers and assistive technologies, into classroom learning to make education more accessible.
Early identification of developmental challenges is a key component of the draft. To support this, the plan recommends organising medical screening in collaboration with primary health centres. It also proposes timely deployment of resource teachers, facilitation of benefits through government schemes, and the conduct of regular support camps—all to be included in the operational roadmap.
Kerala has made notable progress in both special education and inclusive practices in government and aided schools. According to data from Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK), the state has 1,21,276 children with disabilities currently enrolled in its public education system. Of these, 76,276 students are in the elementary section (Classes 5 to 8), 44,080 in the secondary section (Classes 9 to Plus Two), and 980 in the preschool category.
The government expects that the implementation of the academic master plan will further strengthen Kerala’s inclusive education efforts and help bridge learning gaps for thousands of children with disabilities.