Supportive policies help spl students succeed in PU exam

Mangaluru: Special provisions, exam relaxations, and supportive policies are enabling children with special needs to access fair opportunities in higher education and vocational pathways. This year, nearly 191 differently abled students appeared for the II PU examination across the state, with 123 successfully completing the course.
Parents and stakeholders say growing acceptance and easier access to provisions have been a significant support for children with special needs. Of the 191 candidates who appeared for the II PU exam this year, there were students with conditions including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, hearing and visual impairments, learning disabilities, locomotor impairments, intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and others. The highest number of candidates were those with locomotor, visual, and hearing impairments, along with other physical disabilities. Among students with developmental and cognitive challenges, 117 had learning disabilities, 45 were on the autism spectrum, and 54 had intellectual disabilities.
Sindhu B Rupesh, director, department of pre-university education, Bengaluru, said, quoting a circular issued in 2022, that the department started following CBSE rules which allow children with special needs to appear for examinations. There are several relaxations based on the revised Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Children certified as per the regulations stated by the govt are eligible for extra time, scribe facility, language exemption, and exemption from practical examinations according to the nature of the disability and its limitations. The govt has also exempted children with special needs from the registration fee for both preparatory and final examinations. Children with special needs also have an attendance waiver, with 50% attendance for exam eligibility.
H Basavarajendra, chairperson, KSEAB, Bengaluru, said that disability of any kind should not be a barrier for children to pursue higher studies. The govt has several provisions facilitating higher studies and inclusivity for children with special needs. The increase in the number of such children appearing for exams each year is proof of the same.
An official from the Dakshina Kannada department of pre-university education shared that numbers are increasing in comparison to the past. In Dakshina Kannada, children with developmental delays are the highest appearing for the PU examinations.
Rev Fr Clifford Sequeira, principal, St Aloysius Pre-University College, said that they had a couple of candidates who availed themselves of the provisions available, and successfully cleared the examination with good marks.