The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education has organised a nationwide screening of a new training module on inclusive education for children with special needs through the PRASHAST Portal. The 30-minute module aims to equip teachers, special educators and support staff across Indian schools with the knowledge and practices needed to create welcoming environments for students with disabilities.
The initiative reflects a shift towards whole-school inclusion, recognising that every staff member—from classroom teachers to drivers, aayahs and receptionists—plays a role in a child’s experience at school. The module uses practical examples and interactive activities to help school personnel adopt respectful and appropriate practices when working with children with special needs.
Key facts
- Over 60,000 schools participated in the nationwide screening during the first phase
- More than 72 lakh teachers have already been sensitised through PRASHAST in the past three months
- The module is available in 12 Indian languages
- Target audience: heads of schools, teachers, special educators, aayahs, drivers, clerical staff, receptionists, deans and wardens
- Module duration: 30 minutes
- Access portal: https://prashast.education.gov.in/
What the PRASHAST platform does
PRASHAST is a digital tool designed specifically for schools to identify children with probable disability conditions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The platform uses a two-part checklist approach. Teachers first screen students based on observable indicators of disability. Special educators then validate these cases and facilitate referrals for medical assessment where needed. The system enables early identification and appropriate support for children who might otherwise be overlooked in regular classrooms.
The training module and its reach
The new sensitization and orientation module addresses gaps in teacher awareness about children with special needs. Rather than treating inclusion as the responsibility of special educators alone, the module emphasises that inclusive education is a shared responsibility across the entire school community. This approach aligns with international best practices, which show that true inclusion happens when all school staff understand their role.
The choice to offer the module in 12 Indian languages recognises the linguistic diversity of India’s school system and ensures that teachers across states can access the training in their preferred language. By making it available through PRASHAST, a platform schools already use for disability screening, the ministry has reduced barriers to participation.
Connection to national education policy
This initiative supports two key policy frameworks. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises equitable and inclusive education as a core principle. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, creates a legal framework requiring schools to be accessible and supportive environments for children with disabilities. By training school staff systematically, the ministry is translating these policy commitments into ground-level action.
What this means for you
If you are a teacher or school staff member, this training helps you recognise signs of disability in students and respond with appropriate support rather than dismissal or low expectations. If you are the parent of a child with disability, this initiative signals that schools are being equipped to identify and support your child. If you are a student with special needs, it means your teachers and school staff are being trained to create an accessible and respectful environment where you can learn alongside your peers.
The module’s emphasis on practical examples means training is grounded in real classroom situations rather than abstract concepts. Interactive activities help staff move beyond awareness to actual behaviour change.
What happens next
The ministry expects school participation to increase further during October 2026 beyond the initial 60,000 schools. Teachers and school staff can access the module through the PRASHAST Portal at any time, making it possible for schools to train their entire staff progressively.