{
  "abstract": "Inclusive education is critical for addressing inequities faced by children with developmental disabilities (DD), yet significant implementation gaps exist in India’s national education policies. Caregivers play a vital role in facilitating inclusive education, but their voices are often overlooked in decision-making processes.Objectives This study aimed to understand caregivers’ perceptions of an inclusive learning environment for children with DD aged 6–12 years.Methods Caregivers of children with DD receiving services at a child development center in Mumbai were surveyed using the ‘My Child’s School’ Index for Inclusion questionnaire. Responses were scored on a 3-point Likert scale to assess perceived inclusiveness in their child’s school.Results Out of 149 responses, autism and intellectual disability (ID) were the most common diagnoses. Sixty percent of children with ID attended special schools, while 56% of children with autism were in mainstream or inclusive settings. Notably, 89% of children in inclusive schools were not receiving individualized support services. Caregivers’ perception of inclusiveness decreased significantly as the child’s age increased. The average inclusiveness score was lower for mainstream or inclusive schools (82.60) compared to special schools (85.69); however, the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions The study shows that older children with DD face greater academic, social, and cognitive challenges, highlighting an urgent need for targeted, individualized services in all school settings. Caregivers view special schools as more inclusive, likely because of the specialized support they offer. Enhancing inclusive practices and including caregiver perspectives are essential steps towards building truly inclusive education systems in India.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai, India"
      ],
      "name": "Pruthak Shah"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai, India"
      ],
      "name": "Leera Lobo"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai, India"
      ],
      "name": "Roopa Srinivasan"
    }
  ],
  "title": "193 Caregiver perceptions about inclusive learning environment for children with developmental disabilities in schools",
  "uid": "ee7060df-9de6-517a-a3e5-3feca0fd0e96"
}