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Unit 27: The IED Scheme

27.1 Scheme of Integrated Education for the Disabled Children 1992 Notes
(IED)

The country has witnessed a phenomenal expansion of educational opportunities in the post-
Independence period. The disabled children, however, have not benefited substantially from this
growth in educational facilities. The Government of India, therefore, has brought the education of
this group of children for special attention to achieve the goal of education for all. The objective is to
integrate the handicapped with the general community at all levels as equal partners, to prepare
them for normal growth and to enable them to face life with courage and confidence.

27.1.1 Need of IED
Population census gives the figure of about 10 million disabled in Indian population. Obviously
such a vast percentage of people can not be ignored while having any kind of vision or mission for
our country. Integrating children in ordinary schools is the most effective and economical way of
providing educational opportunities to them in large numbers. This also has the social and
psychological advantages of giving a boost to their self-esteem to enable them to face life with courage
and confidence.
27.1.2 History and Evaluation of IED
The IED scheme financed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India,
and the scheme is being implemented by the department of school education since 1983. At present
it is part of the directorate of Primary Education and receiving substantial financial support under
SSA.
It has substantial field support from the district DIETs and a large number of voluntary organizations
and is being implemented bin schools run by the state government as well as registered and recognized
societies. The nature of disability includes visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental retardation
and orthopedic handicaps. At present over 36000 children in about 5600 schools come under the
scheme. Nearly 2000 resource teachers are involved in the instructional programme.
27.1.3 Objectives of IED
The centrally sponsored scheme of Integrated Education for the Disabled Children (IEDC ) purports
to provide educational opportunities for the disabled children in common schools, to facilitate their
retention in the school system.
• To provide least restrictive environment to disabled children so that they may grow and develop
like other children.
• To integrate the children with mild to severe disabilities to formal Govt. schools.
• Parent / Sibling Conselling
• To support manpower development activities and train required personal such as normal school
teachers, DIET lecturers and itinerant teachers.
• To setup resource centres.
• To provide an equal opportunity to the disabled children and prepare them for life like other
members of the society.
• To mainstream the disabled children to achieve principle of normalization.
27.1.4 Major Activities
• Conducting field surveys and assessment of disability.
• Development of resource support facilities and instructional materials at various levels.
• Training/orientation of resource personnel at various levels.
• Conducting awareness campaigns and enrollment drives.
• Distribution of assistance to the intended beneficiaries.

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