ITANAGAR : Faculty members from Arunachal Pradesh presented research papers on inclusive education at the 19th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Special Education (IASE), held from June 21 to 26 at Royal Thimphu College in Bhutan.
Hosted in collaboration with Royal Thimphu College, the conference also marked the 40th anniversary of the IASE and brought together academicians, practitioners, healthcare professionals, social workers, clinicians, policymakers, psychologists, administrators and family members from 28 countries to deliberate on innovations in special education and inclusive learning.
Rajiv Gandhi University Department of Education Professor Anga Padu presented a paper titled “Inclusive Practices at Elementary Stage in Arunachal Pradesh.” She highlighted nine classroom and school-level practices adopted by elementary teachers to promote inclusive education, stressing that simple yet meaningful changes in day-to-day teaching can significantly enhance learning opportunities for all children, including those with disabilities and students from diverse socio-economic, cultural and regional backgrounds.
Among the practices highlighted were mixed-gender seating arrangements, equal classroom participation, peer tutoring, remedial classes, leadership opportunities based on merit and responsibility, counselling support, school kitchen gardening and encouraging students to wear traditional attire on the 15th of every month to foster inclusivity and cultural awareness.
Binni Yanga Government Women’s College Department of Education Associate Professor Dr Minu Sono presented a paper titled “Attitude of College Teachers towards Inclusive Education in Arunachal Pradesh.” She examined the awareness and attitudes of college teachers towards inclusive education and emphasised the need for collective efforts to strengthen positive perceptions, noting that teachers play a vital role in building an inclusive society.
The conference provided a platform for delegates to exchange experiences and best practices in inclusive education while offering participants an opportunity to learn about Bhutan’s education system, curriculum and culture.
Founded in 1985, the International Association of Special Education is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life and educational support services for individuals with special needs through the promotion of inclusive and equitable education worldwide.
