The Board has been receiving written requests from schools and discussion points at various stakeholder forums of the Board to adapt guidelines on provisions for CwSN students studying in schools.

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued guidelines for existing schools and schools seeking affiliation with the board on provisions for children with special needs (CwSN). As per the official notification, the Board has issued clause no. 4.7.3 Internal Annexation Bye-law 2018 includes that “The school shall provide appropriate facilities such as ramps in toilets and entry/exit points for wheelchair users and audible signals in lifts/lifts and other possible infrastructure. and under Section 14.15.2. “Schools shall promote the inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream schools in accordance with the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and in accordance with the National Education Policy.”

The Board has been receiving written requests from schools and discussion points at various stakeholder forums of the Board to adapt guidelines on provisions for CwSN students studying in schools. “Therefore, circular no. 05/2023 dated 06-03-2023, all CBSE affiliated schools and schools seeking affiliation with the Board are hereby notified to follow the revised guidelines for children with special needs (CwSN) as per Annexure A,” CBSE said in an official notice. .

• A suitable ramp should be mandatorily constructed at the ground floor of the school for barrier-free access to CwSN to provide equitable educational opportunities.
• Separate CwSN compliant toilets for boys and girls with sufficient space for wheel chair / walker movement should be provided on the ground floor or any other floor where the school conducts classes/practical for CwSN candidates.
• The school will confirm the floors it wishes to conduct classes/practicals for CwSN, while seeking extension of affiliation/affiliation.
• The approach to the school should be neat and the surface level.
• A paved floor provides comfortable access for all students and teachers and benefits children and adults with disabilities.
• Surfaces should be firm and even, with a slip-resistant finish in all weather conditions.
• Any curbs on the route (raised paths) should have suitable drop curbs to allow wheelchair access.
• The path from the gate to the school building, playground and toilet should be clean, paved, level and regularly maintained.
• Main entrances and doors in school buildings should be 1500-1800 mm wide.
• In classrooms, toilets, laboratories, etc., the clear width of doors should be at least 900 mm.
• Avoid sharp turns in footpaths.
• Sidewalk windows, lights, low branches, flowerpots, signposts, etc. Must be free from overhanging and protruding obstructions.
• A handrail must be provided at any dangerous point on the footpath.
• A guard rail is required in case of sudden changes in level including stairs and verandas.
• The ends of handrails should be rounded / ground (bent down) to avoid injury.
• Stairs should be equal in height and width (riser and tread).
• Bright, contrast-colored tactile pavers (preferably yellow) should be used at every change in slope, at the beginning and end of steps and at turns for easy identification.
• All floor surfaces should have a non-slip/ ​​anti-skid/ matte finish and any loose gravel or cobblestones should be avoided.

For more details, candidates can check the detailed instructions on the official website – cbse.gov.in.