Empowering Teachers: Utilizing PRASHAST for Inclusive Education
Introduction
In today’s diverse educational landscape, teachers play a crucial role in identifying and supporting students with disabilities. To facilitate this, the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET-NCERT) has developed PRASHAST—a comprehensive disability screening tool designed to assist educators in early detection and intervention.
This guide provides an overview of how teachers can effectively integrate PRASHAST into their classrooms, their role in inclusive education, and professional development courses that enhance their ability to support students with disabilities.
Understanding PRASHAST
PRASHAST (A Disability Screening Checklist for Schools) is a standardized tool that enables teachers to identify early signs of disabilities among students. It encompasses all 21 disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, including learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, and hearing/visual impairments.
PRASHAST is aligned with:
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – Promoting inclusive education.
- RPwD Act, 2016 – Ensuring the rights and accommodations for children with disabilities.
- Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 – Guaranteeing access to quality education for all children.
- Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Advancing inclusive and equitable education.
PRASHAST is available in both booklet and mobile app formats, making it an accessible resource for educators nationwide.
Role of Teachers in Implementing PRASHAST
Teachers are instrumental in fostering an inclusive learning environment. The effective utilization of PRASHAST involves the following steps:
1. Early Identification
- Conduct systematic observations of students for learning difficulties, behavioral challenges, and developmental concerns.
- Use the PRASHAST checklist to assess students requiring additional academic or emotional support.
2. Documentation and Referral
- Maintain detailed records of observations and screening results.
- Collaborate with special educators, school counselors, and parents to develop intervention plans.
3. Classroom Intervention and Support
- Develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students based on screening results.
- Implement evidence-based teaching strategies that cater to diverse learning needs.
4. Professional Development
- Enroll in specialized training programs focused on inclusive education.
- Engage with professional learning communities to exchange best practices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using PRASHAST
- Access the Tool – Download the PRASHAST mobile app or obtain the booklet from the CIET-NCERT website.
- Familiarization – Review the checklist and its indicators of disabilities.
- Conducting Screening – Administer the checklist during designated classroom interactions.
- Data Analysis – Identify students requiring further assessment and intervention.
- Collaboration – Work with parents, school counselors, and external specialists to design support strategies.
- Implementation of Interventions – Introduce inclusive teaching methods, accommodations, and remedial support where necessary.
- Ongoing Monitoring – Regularly assess student progress and modify strategies as needed.
Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers
To enhance their skills in inclusive education and special needs support, teachers can enroll in the following professional courses:
| Course Name | Provider | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Post Graduate Professional Diploma in Special Education | Tamana (NGO) | Comprehensive training program covering teaching methodologies for children with disabilities. |
| B.Ed. in Special Education | ADAPT (Able Disabled All People Together) | Focuses on inclusive education principles and teaching strategies for students with special needs. |
| Diploma in Education Special Education (D.Ed.SE) | Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) | A government-recognized program designed for educators specializing in inclusive teaching approaches. |
| Certificate Course in Inclusive Education | Muktangan | Practical course offering tools and techniques for integrating inclusive education in classrooms. |
| Certificate in Language and Speech Therapy (CLST) | GD Goenka Healthcare Academy (Bangalore) | Focuses on speech and communication development techniques for children with speech delays. |
| Certificate in Occupational Therapy (COTA) | GD Goenka Healthcare Academy (Bangalore) | Provides expertise in motor skills development, sensory integration, and therapeutic support. |
| Certificate in Special Education Needs (CSEN) | GD Goenka Healthcare Academy (Bangalore) | Covers methods for supporting students with learning difficulties, autism, and behavioral challenges. |
Encouraging PRASHAST Adoption in Schools
Teachers can play an active role in promoting PRASHAST’s adoption in their schools by:
📌 Raising Awareness – Conducting faculty workshops on PRASHAST’s benefits and application.
📌 Demonstrating Impact – Sharing case studies and best practices from successful PRASHAST implementations.
📌 Collaborating with Administrators – Advocating for PRASHAST’s integration into the school’s assessment and intervention policies.
📌 Training Fellow Educators – Conducting peer training sessions to enhance awareness and usage of PRASHAST.
Conclusion
The PRASHAST tool is a valuable asset for teachers striving to create inclusive learning environments. By adopting structured screening methods, implementing tailored interventions, and pursuing continuous professional development, educators can ensure that every student receives the support necessary to thrive academically and socially.
Through early identification, collaborative engagement, and evidence-based teaching strategies, teachers can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive education system. By championing initiatives like PRASHAST, educators are not only supporting students with disabilities but also fostering a more diverse and supportive learning culture.