Online classes trouble disabled kids the most

The adoption of online learning has been difficult on nearly everyone — children, parents and teachers. Perhaps, no one is as much at a disadvantage as children with disabilities.

Ravi Kiran, 16, student of an Intermediate college near ECIL Crossroads, is visually challenged. His college recently began online teaching, and Ravi, who has just entered second year, has been desperately trying to catch up.

After every session, the teacher sends them pictures of the notes and material. Ravi has to ask his mother or classmates to read them out to him. “During class, there are a lot of issues. Due to Internet connectivity issues, the teacher’s voice can be difficult to hear. My classmates can look at the board, but I can’t,” Ravi said.

Ravi notes that all teaching, so far, has been theoretical. “I worry that when they start teaching

ROHIT, A 10-yearold fourth standard student, suffers from muscular dystrophy that has taken away much of his control on his body.

HIS FATHER Venktesham said Rohit cannot balance himself even while sitting.

accounts and balance sheets, I won’t be able to cope,” he said.

Many students belong to underprivileged families, which cannot afford to get phone that would allow them to join an online session.

Chandrakala is a single mother to 13-year-old Ganesh, who has severe physical disabilities and cannot move on his own. She used to work as a domestic in a few houses near BHEL, but work dried up during the lockdown.

Ganesh, who is entering the sixth grade, needed a smartphone to join online sessions. Chandrakala’s nephew came to their aid and gave Ganesh his smartphone.

“My son and I are living on donations from NGOs and relatives. My son’s school is asking us to pay the fee. I am scared my son won’t get the opportunities he deserves,” she said. Ganesh worries that he is cut away from his friends, as school is where he can have some semblance of a social life.

Rohit, a 10-year-old fourth standard student, suffers from muscular dystrophy that has taken away much of his control on his body.

His father Venktesham said Rohit cannot balance himself even while sitting. “Before the lockdown, I would take him to school a few times a month and teach him at home the rest of the time. Now I don’t know what to do,” he said. Rohit could only participate in online sessions if he has a fulltime attender. “I cannot afford an attender right now,” said Venktesham.