CBSE revises guidelines on provisions for CwSN students in affiliated schools

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education has revised the guidelines on the provisions for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) in schools. Among the revised guidelines is a direction to schools to confirm floors for conducting classes while seeking affiliation. The regulations include instructions on signage, ramp, lifts, general toilets, accessible toilets, wash basin, and Indian squatting seat.

Citing the reason for the revision of guidelines for CWSN students, CBSE said, “The Board has been receiving written requests from schools and discussion points in various forums of the Board's stakeholders to optimize the guidelines on the provisions for CwSN students studying in the schools.” The board advised all affiliated schools and the schools seeking affiliation with the board to comply with the revised guidelines.

CwSN guidelines

• A proper ramp should mandatorily be constructed on the ground floor of the school for barrier-free access to CwSN for providing equitable educational opportunities.
• Separate CwSN compliant toilets for boys and girls with adequate space for movement of the wheelchair or walker should be maintained on the ground floor or on any other floors on which the school is conducting the classes or practicals for CwSN candidates.
• The school shall confirm, at the time of seeking affiliation/extension of affiliation, the floors on which it intends to conduct classes or practicals for CwSN.
• Approach to the school should be well maintained and a leveled surface should be provided.
• Paved flooring provides comfortable access to all students and teachers and benefits children and adults with disabilities.
• The surfaces should be firm and even, with a finish that is slip-resistant in all weather conditions.
• Any kerbs (raised paths) in the route should have appropriate drop kerbs to allow wheelchair access.
• The path from the gate to the school buildings, playground, and toilet must be clear, firm, leveled, and regularly maintained.
• Main entrances and doorways in the school buildings should be 1500-1800mm wide.
• Classrooms, toilets, labs, etc, should have a clear door width of 900mm minimum.
• Sharp turns in the walkways should be avoided.
• The walkway must be free of hung and protruding obstructions, such as windows, lights, low branches, flowerpots, signposts, etc.
• A handrail should be provided at any dangerous point in the walkway.
• Guard rails are a must in situations with a sudden change in the level including stairs and verandah.
• The ends of the handrails should be rounded off/ grouted in the ground (bent downwards) to avoid injury.
• The height and width of steps should be equal (riser and tread).
• Bright, contrast-coloured tactile pavers (preferably yellow) should be used at every change in slope, at the beginning and ending of a staircase for easy recognition, and at turnings.
• All floor surfaces should have a non-slip/ anti-skid/ matt finish, and any loose gravel or cobblestones should be avoided.