Why is accessibility important in education?

In the context of education, accessibility refers to giving every student equal access and opportunities, irrespective of their socioeconomic, cognitive, physical, sensory, or other limitations. Students with impairments can learn the same things as their peers who are able to learn because of accessibility. Creating an inclusive learning environment where each person may thrive is the aim of accessibility in education. The significance of accessibility in education is covered in this article, along with various problems and potential fixes.

Creating equal opportunities for all

Accessibility in education helps ensure equal opportunities for all learners. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities may struggle without accessibility measures. For instance, if schools use singular modes of instruction that favour able students, they are reducing accessibility for disabled students. Hearing and visually impaired students may struggle to keep up with the class curriculum if the school does not use screen readers and Braille textbooks.

Likewise, a lack of internet connection and inadequate school resources, such as qualified teachers and adequate infrastructure, may affect the quality of education received by kids in remote locations. Regardless of their backgrounds and skill levels, students can have equitable access to learning opportunities when educational institutions and schools guarantee accessibility.

Assure improved learning results

When their learning needs are met, students typically do better. In education, accessibility guarantees that course materials are appropriate for students’ varying learning needs and styles.

For instance, teachers who use assistive technology to make learning accessible for students with disabilities can improve their performance outcomes. Using a text-to-speech tool for students with learning disabilities like dyslexia can help them better follow the written texts taught in class at their own pace. Similarly, using captioned videos for hearing-impaired students can help them absorb content better, potentially improving learning outcomes.

Reduce drop out rates

Many students tend to drop out of courses due to learning challenges and financial difficulties. Incorporating accessibility into education can help students feel supported and included. For instance, a student from a low-income background who struggles to pay for textbooks and school fees may need to drop out of school. However, if the school offers free digital resources and financial aid to the student, they may be able to continue with their education.

Similarly, students with disabilities drop out because their learning needs are often not met. Creating disability-friendly infrastructure like ramps, accessible classrooms, and special educators can offer focused accessibility benefits to these students, reducing their dropout rates.  This inclusive approach makes them more likely to stay in school and complete their education.

Encouraging inclusion and social development

Students do more than just academic learning at schools and colleges. They also develop various social skills like communication and teamwork. Accessible educational environments encourage a culture of empathy and acceptance. They promote inclusivity and help dispel biases.

For instance, creating inclusive classrooms where students with disabilities can learn alongside their able peers helps create mutual understanding. It also helps challenge stereotypes and prepares students for the real-world workforce, where collaboration is a critical skill.

Ensuring legal compliance

Accessibility is not just the social responsibility of educators; it is also a legal requirement. According to the Right to Education Act of 2009 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, schools and educational institutions have to provide inclusive learning environments. For instance, under the RTE Act, private schools must reserve 25% of their seats for students who belong to economically weak backgrounds.

Similarly, the RPWD Act mandates equal opportunities and accessibility for persons with disabilities in all sectors of life, including education. Schools and universities have to create disability-friendly infrastructure like ramps and elevators and use assistive technology like Braille materials and sign language interpreters to make learning accessible for students with disabilities. Therefore, accessibility is important in education because without it educational institutions will be in non-compliance with national laws.

Challenges to accessibility in education and how to address them

While the importance of accessibility in education cannot be questioned, there may be certain challenges to actually achieving it. We have listed common challenges below:

Lack of infrastructure: Schools need to have disability-friendly infrastructure like ramps, accessible restrooms, and assistive learning technologies. However, many schools, especially those in rural areas, may not have proper facilities for students with disabilities.

Solution: Schools must design disability-friendly infrastructure. The government should extend grants to schools in rural areas to help them upgrade their infrastructure.

Digital divide: As education becomes more dependent on technology, students without access to digital learning tools like internet connections and computers remain at a disadvantage. This digital divide is especially a challenge for students in rural areas and those from low-income homes.

Solution: The government should look into policies that can help expand internet access in the country. Distributing affordable devices in rural areas and to students from economically disadvantaged groups can also help them benefit from online education.

Lack of teacher training and awareness: Accessibility can be implemented in education only if teachers are sufficiently trained. Most teachers lack the training necessary to work with children who have a range of learning challenges.

Solution: Training on how to meet the learning needs of children with disabilities and language difficulties should be mandatory for teachers.

Language barriers: In multilingual countries like India, it can be difficult for students who do not speak the prevailing language of instruction to grasp what is being taught in class. Accessibility to education may be compromised by inadequate translation support.

Solution: Efforts should be made to increase the educational scope. Teachers can address language hurdles in the classroom and guarantee real-time translations by implementing AI products that are available on online marketplace.

Summing it up

Ensuring accessibility in education is a top goal for all. Following the principles of accessibility ensures that students are treated equally and have equal opportunities to learn and grow. This goal requires schools to have certain infrastructure and teaching methods available for students with disabilities. Technological adoption is also expected to increase accessibility issues due to a lack of internet connectivity and digital tools. Educational institutions can partner with banks and NBFCs to obtain loans to tackle such infrastructure issues. They can also apply for government grants to make educational spaces more accessible.