Inclusive education, an alternative for disabled kids

Inclusive education, an alternative for disabled kids

Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya

Zafran Hafizhuddin, a special pupil at the Klampis Ngasem I state
elementary school here, enthusiastically sang a dangdut song of
singer Rhoma Irama when The Jakarta Post encouraged him to
demonstrate his singing talent. "I want to become a singer like
Rhoma, whom I often hear on the radio and TV," he said.

Even though he does not remember all the lyrics by heart, his
singing ability is no doubt praiseworthy. But he does not have
the chance to share it with a wider public. "I'm shy because
people will surely look at me differently," said Zafran candidly.
Zafran is one of the pupils who is attending an inclusive program
for autistic and mentally and physically disabled children,
conducted in a regular school.

The program is under the auspices of the Ministry of National
Education Special Education Directorate under the Directorate
General of Elementary and Middle Education as an alternative to
sending children with special needs to schools for the disabled
(SLB).

Director of Special Education Mudjito said that the inclusive
education program would materialize this year and the Klampis
Ngasem and Margorejo state elementary schools in Surabaya had
been selected as models for the pilot project.

The program is intended to provide equal rights to obtaining
education for disabled children.

"Both elementary schools have implemented the inclusive
education method for a long period, and they are experienced in
handling autistic, mentally and physically disabled children,"
said Mudjito on the sidelines of a meeting on special education
in Surabaya recently.

Despite having been put on the agenda, most of the people in
Surabaya do not know about the program. Even the Klampis Ngasem
elementary school, which has implemented the program since 1989,
has not publicized it widely to the public.

"We have been actively searching for disabled children who
want to learn in a regular school for a long time," Klampis
Ngasem elementary school principal Sukarlik told the Post.

However, many circles have criticized the program. They
reasoned that special schools are more suitable for disabled
children than public schools, added Sukarlik. These critics say
that the program has neglected the rights of children with
special needs. According to them, disabled children should have
the privilege of attending special schools and not be forced to
attend regular schools.

"My superior once threatened to fire me, but I remained
committed to carry on with the program and I've succeeded. But,
I'm not keen to promote it outside," said Sukarlik.

Sukarlik has 10 branches implementing the program in Surabaya
now. All instructors and supervisors are specially trained at the
Klampis Ngasem elementary school.

There are 68 disabled children out of the 545 students at the
school going through the special education program, while around
150 of them are learning at the branches.

The teaching staff include special instructors, such as
psychotherapists besides the regular teachers. There are 22
special teachers at the school now, with two to three disabled
students under the guidance of one teacher.

Sukarlik has warmly welcomed the program initiated by the
education ministry. Even though not all the disabled children can
overcome their disabilities, some of the graduates have excelled
in their studies and have been able to adapt socially. "I had an
autistic pupil who is now studying at Dr. Soetomo University in
Surabaya. He can live normally with the other students," said
Sukarlik, adding that it is important for disabled children to
socialize with the physically and mentally able in order to boost
their morale and confidence.