Nurturing and Supporting Children with Intellectual Disability: Implications for Education

Abstract In this paper, the conceptual foundations of intellectual disabilities and their implications for education have been discussed by laying emphasis upon the nature and needs of children with this disability. The paper is an attempt to critically analyse the provisions and measures for the wellbeing of children with intellectual disability. The paper presents intellectual disability in an integrated manner together with the search for its implications in education. It can be reiterated that parents as well as teachers make a tremendous impact on the lives of children, especially those with intellectual disability. There is a significant need to intervene in the circumstances of such children in order to emerge as “better teachers”, by evaluating the gross realties of the educational systems. The paper highlights the challenges and difficulties encountered by children with intellectual disabilities in inclusive settings, the implications for teachers, and the role of pre-service and in-service teacher preparation programs. Keywords: Children with special needs, disability, inclusive educatio