A study on available support systems in inclusive setting for the students with mental retardation

The present study is an exploratory study to find out the existing support system in the primary schools of two Districts of Telengana. The study primarily focused on identifying the available support system in the primary schools which facilitate the learning of children with mental retardation. The objective of the study was to find out the support system available for the students with mental retardation in terms of academic support, social support, emotional support and physical support in inclusive setting in the primary schools. A total number of 100 teachers (both regular and resource teacher), 50 students and 20 primary school were selected by purposive sampling procedure. The data was generated with the help of 4 type of questionnaire. The major findings of the study show that the academic and social support as perceived by regular teacher was in average level where as academic and social support perceived by resource teacher are in high level. The emotional support provided by peer is high level. The physical support was studied under three catogerise i.e. toilet and sanitation facilities, mobility and barrier free environment are in low level. The study concludes that adequate support system is key to the success of inclusive education.