A study of self-concept, emotional intelligence and academic anxiety of visually challenged students in inclusive and exclusive schools in relation to scholastic achievement

Abstract

The existence of disabled members is not uncommon in any society or community but most of the time disabled are in social exclusion/excluded physically, socially, academically and in many other areas. They live in the society but their needs are not addressed properly. Continued segregation fosters stereotypes, ignorance, stigma, fear and prejudices in disabled, which limit their participation in community as well as society and action as a whole. There are various types of disabilities such as visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental retardation, locomotor impairment, autism, deaf blindness, cerebral palsy and others. Since the disability may affect the organs or body parts of an individual and his/her participation in different spheres of life, it becomes a multi dimensional experience for the person involved. Visual impairment and its related disability both are similar to other disabilities but person suffering from visual impairment is treated differently as this is a visible disability. As per the Census 2001 the visually challenged constitute 48.5 percent of the total disabled population. Such a large section of the society cannot be overlooked on the grounds of disability. To overcome this hazardous situation, the significant persons related to a disabled individual are required to understand the ecology of a disabled child i.e. nature and nurture. While a child s behavior is determined by his /her genetic makeup on one hand, nurture certainly plays a major role in determining how the child will respond to the condition itself. History provides evidence of a number of great persons suffering from visual disability who touch the heights of success and excel in different life spheres when given opportunities. The positive attitude of parents, teachers, and society members towards them and systematic provisions for education can help people with visual disability to recognize their abilities and potentials to overcome their disability and to rehabilitate in all spheres of life.