``In a country where half the children in the age group of 5 -- 14 years are out of school, how can there be space for children with disabilities, especially if a segregated schooling is being advocated for them?'' State two ways by which a disabled child can achieve autonomy.
``In a country where half the children in the age group of 5 -- 14 years are out of school, how can there be space for children with disabilities, especially if a segregated schooling is being advocated for them?'' State two ways by which a disabled child can achieve autonomy.
Official answer
A disabled child can achieve autonomy mainly through inclusion rather than segregation.
- Inclusive/mainstream education: schooling alongside non-disabled peers, rather than segregated special schools, builds confidence, social skills, and reduces stigma.
- Accessible infrastructure and assistive support: ramps, assistive devices, and vocational or skill training enable independent mobility, learning, and eventual employment, reducing lifelong dependency on others.
Marking scheme
- 1.1 mark: inclusive/mainstream schooling with non-disabled peers as a route to autonomy.
- 2.1 mark: accessible infrastructure/assistive devices/skill training enabling independent functioning.
Hint
Focus on inclusion and accessibility (mainstream schooling, assistive aids), not segregation or charity.
Quick oral answer
A disabled child gains autonomy through inclusive mainstream education alongside other children and through accessible infrastructure and assistive aids that enable independent learning and mobility.
Common mistakes
- 1.Suggesting segregated 'special schools' as the solution, contradicting the chapter's inclusion-based argument.
- 2.Framing disability autonomy only in terms of charity or sympathy rather than structural accessibility.
- 3.Giving only one way instead of the two required.
Analysis and explanation
This question applies the chapter's critique of segregated disability policy to a practical solution.
Concept: The textbook argues that disability is often treated as a purely medical/charitable issue needing segregated 'special' care, but true autonomy for disabled children comes from removing social and physical barriers so they can participate in ordinary institutions like regular schools.
Exam trap: Students often suggest only 'special schools' or charity-based help, which contradicts the chapter's core argument favouring inclusion and structural accessibility over segregation and pity.
Real-world relevance: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates inclusive education in India, reflecting the same shift from segregated 'special schools' towards mainstream, accessible schooling emphasised in this answer.
Interesting facts
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 replaced India's earlier 1995 law and explicitly mandates inclusive education in mainstream schools rather than segregated special schools.
Sociological studies note that public perception often treats disability purely as a biological/medical deficiency, ignoring how social barriers (inaccessible buildings, attitudes) are what truly limit autonomy.
Question details
Q23 of 36 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 12
- Subject
- Sociology
- Year
- 2026
- Section
- Section B
- Marks
- 2
- Type
- Very Short Answer
- Chapter
- Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion
- Topic
- Disability and Autonomy
- Bloom's level
- apply
- Syllabus topic
- Unit: Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion — Disability and Inclusion
- Author
- CBSE
- Reviewed by
- Padhantu Academic Team
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Frequently asked questions
Why does the textbook argue against segregated schooling for disabled children?
Because segregated schools isolate disabled children from mainstream society, reinforce stigma, and deny them the same social and educational opportunities as their peers, limiting rather than building autonomy.
What law supports inclusive education for disabled children in India?
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates inclusive education in mainstream schools for children with disabilities.