Shillong, Aug 21: The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), in collaboration with Samagra Shiksha Meghalaya, organised an integrated state review meeting of district officers, special educators and district IE coordinators at Shillong Club on Friday.
The meeting focused on challenges, gaps and opportunities in strengthening inclusive education and support systems for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) across the state.
Particular attention was drawn to Meghalaya’s difficult terrain and gaps in digital connectivity, which affect access to technology-enabled interventions in remote areas.
The ALIMCO team made a presentation on its initiatives followed by an interactive session with district coordinators and special educators. Issues discussed included accessibility, assistive support, infrastructure, awareness, identification of needs and field-level challenges.
Officials informed that over the last five years, 3,085 CwSN in Meghalaya have been served through interventions under the inclusive education framework.
Across the North-East, approximately 30,000 CwSN have benefited during the period.
State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Richa Kulkarni emphasised the need to move beyond the medical model of disability towards a social model. She said the focus should be on adapting the environment, education systems, technology and support mechanisms to meet individual needs, rather than viewing disability as something to be fixed. She stressed that inclusive education requires greater sensitivity from teachers, parents and society, and noted the importance of inputs from grassroots functionaries.
The meeting reaffirmed the joint commitment of ALIMCO and Samagra Shiksha Meghalaya to build a more responsive and inclusive education ecosystem for children with special needs.
