The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has optimised its guidelines for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) in schools. The revised regulations require schools to specify the floors where classes will be held when seeking affiliation. The guidelines also cover essential infrastructure, including signage, ramps, lifts, accessible and general toilets, basins, and Indian-style squatting seats.
The official notification issued by the board reads, “The school shall provide proper facilities like ramps in toilets and at entry/exit points for wheelchair users and auditory signals in elevators/lifts and other possible infrastructural facilities.” and under Clause 14.15.2.“School shall promote inclusion of student with special needs in the normal school as per provisions of the Rehabilitation of Persons With Disabilities Act 2016 and in conformity with the National Education Policy.”
The Board has received numerous requests and suggestions from schools and stakeholders to improve the guidelines for supporting students with special needs leading them to update the CwSN guidelines in schools.Updated CwSN Guidelines by CBSE
The official notification issued by the board reads, “The school shall provide proper facilities like ramps in toilets and at entry/exit points for wheelchair users and auditory signals in elevators/lifts and other possible infrastructural facilities.” and under Clause 14.15.2.“School shall promote inclusion of student with special needs in the normal school as per provisions of the Rehabilitation of Persons With Disabilities Act 2016 and in conformity with the National Education Policy.”
The Board has received numerous requests and suggestions from schools and stakeholders to improve the guidelines for supporting students with special needs leading them to update the CwSN guidelines in schools.
Updated CwSN Guidelines by CBSE
Here is a look at the updated guidelines issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education for CwSN. The institutions must abide by these regulations to strengthen support for children with special needs.
- Schools must ensure that a proper ramp is built on the ground floor to provide barrier-free access for CwSN students and ensure equal educational opportunities.
- Separate toilets for CwSN boys and girls with enough space for wheelchairs or walkers, should be available on the ground floor or on any floors where classes or practicals are conducted.
- Schools must confirm the floors where they will conduct classes for CwSN students when applying for or renewing affiliation.
- The approach to the school should be well-maintained, with a smooth and level surface.
- Paved flooring should be used to provide easy access for all students and staff, benefiting those with special needs.
- Surfaces should be firm, even, and slip-resistant in all weather conditions.
- Any raised paths (kerbs) should have appropriate drop kerbs for wheelchair access.
- Pathways from the entrance to school buildings, playgrounds, and toilets must be clear, level, and regularly maintained.
- Main entrances and doorways should be between 1500-1800mm wide.
- Classrooms, toilets, and labs should have doorways at least 900mm wide.
- Avoid sharp turns in walkways.
- Walkways should be free of obstacles such as windows, lights, low branches, flowerpots, and signposts.
- Install handrails at any hazardous points along walkways.
- Guardrails are required where there is a sudden change in level, such as stairs or verandahs.
- The ends of handrails should be rounded or bent downwards to prevent injury.
- Steps should have uniform height and width (riser and tread).
- Use bright, contrasting tactile pavers (preferably yellow) at slope changes, at the beginning and end of stairs, and at turns for easy identification.
- All floor surfaces should be non-slip or anti-skid, and loose gravel or cobblestones should be avoided.
The institutions can click on the link here to view the updated guidelines and other regulations.