INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN

Abstract

Mental retardation refers to a significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning resulting in or associated with concurrent impairments in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period. Article 21A states that all children between the ages of six and fourteen must receive free and compulsory education as a fundamental right, in a way that the State may, by legislation, specify. This mentions that children have the right to free and obligatory education in a neighbourhood school until they have completed their elementary education. It forbids: (a) child abuse and physical punishment; (b) child admittance screening processes; (c) capitation fees; (d) teacher private tuition; and (e) unrecognized school operations. It is evident that the children with Mental Retardation have a right to receive formal education as par with their capabilities. Some effective methods for teaching children with Mental Retardation are Montessori Method, Project Method, Individualized Program Plan, and Inclusive Education.