ABSTRACT
Developments in Indian social policy on disability issues in the past decade demonstrate a perspective shift from charity to empowerment. The inclusion of children with disabilities in the mission for “Education for All” follows an amendment to the Indian Constitution in 2001 spearheaded by the disability movement, an alliance of stakeholders comprising persons with a disability, parents, and professionals. Access to schooling is the main focus of this advocacy effort. Stakeholders recognize that new strategies that support bottom-up approaches to education reform must evolve. Special schools are increasingly under pressure to revise their roles and support teacher training, sensitization programs, and the development of assistive technology. India’s experiences in the search for inclusive education hold insights for the Asia-Pacific region.
