Our Commitment to Inclusive Education
At CBM India, we envision a world where every child can access quality education—one that embraces the uniqueness of every child and ensures that the diverse needs of all students are met. Yet, the reality is that children with disabilities are more likely to be out of school and at risk of dropping out.
Our approach to inclusive education aims to create conducive environments and bridge the learning gaps, ensuring a smooth transition to mainstream classrooms. We prioritize early intervention and integrate rehabilitation as a core element across all our inclusive education programs.
How We Do It
To make inclusive education a reality, our initiatives take a multifaceted approach that includes several key components.
Whole School Model
The initiative works to transform mainstream schools into spaces where all students, including children with disabilities, can learn together effectively. We focus on removing physical barriers and improving digital access through improved infrastructure and appropriate technology. Teachers and school staff receive specialized training, while School Management Committees are strengthened to promote inclusive practices. We support the development of curriculums that ensure every child can learn in ways that work best for them, following the Universal Design for Learning approach. We encourage all children to participate together, from sports and recreational activities to hands-on learning in inclusive science labs, promoting STEM education.
Inclusive Community Learning Centers (ICLCs)
These centers offer comprehensive support to children with disabilities, including medical screenings, education interventions, therapeutic services, assistive devices, and regular training and counseling for caregivers. When required, we also offer home-based support. Through our ICLCs, mostly located on government school campuses, we also extend our assistance by making their infrastructure accessible
Disability-Inclusive Resource Centers
These centers provide academic support, rehabilitation services, health resources, and cultural opportunities to students with and without disabilities, their families, and the community. A dedicated team of special educators, physiotherapists, and speech therapists provides essential support to children with disabilities and their caregivers.
Professional Training for Educators
To equip teachers with the knowledge and skills needed, we have developed comprehensive educational resources, backed by solid research. We also conduct regular training programs to enhance educators’ understanding of disabilities and inclusive teaching practices.
Our Impact in 2023 – 24
36,981
children learning across educational settings
948
teachers trained in inclusive education
578
caregivers/parents of children with disabilities trained
10
inclusive community learning centers
Voices of Change
The impact of our inclusive education initiatives is evident
in the voices of those we serve
Stories of Change
Amreen’s Unstoppable Journey of Learning
Amreen, a 20-year-old from a hamlet in Madhya Pradesh, is a bundle of energy and creativity with a passion for painting, sewing, and teaching....
Mothers’ Group: Together We Learn and Teach
Savita Keer, 34, recalls the day in 2019 when a CBM India field representative visited her village of Keerpura, Madhya Pradesh, to discuss the...
Where Every Word is a Celebration
For 8-year-old Gagana from Bengaluru communicating and listening felt like a Herculean chore, because of a speech and hearing impairment she...
Access to inclusive education
is the first step towards empowering those
living with disabilities to strive for an equitable future.