HIGHER EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION AND ITS IMPACT ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

Learning happens for an individual right from the womb of their mother and it continues throughout their life. This learning happens either through formal or informal education. In this technological world, formal education in an individual starts at the age of 3 where it terms as pre-primary education and is followed by primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Tertiary education is different from school education where it is the final phase in formal education where an individual learns before entering the labour market. Higher education followed by suitable employment is a crucial period for an individual since it decides their economic status, social status, and independence for the rest of their life, and it is more significant for persons with disabilities. From ancient times, education had seen significant transformations for persons with disabilities due to the initiatives taken by the Government of India, persons with disabilities have ample access to equity, quality, skill training, and accessible higher education from nowhere. Accessing higher education improves the socio-emotional well-being and economic independence of persons with disabilities, and this is only achievable with the cooperation and support of all stakeholders involved in the education sector.