• PRATIMA MANJARI SAHOO

Sensitization of teachers and peers towards disability and diversity is an essential component of inclusive education that aims to create an equitable, accessible, supportive, and child-friendly learning environment for all children. Every child possesses unique abilities, learning needs, interests, and individual characteristics that must be recognized and respected within the educational system. However, children with special needs (CWSN) often face barriers such as social stigma, discrimination, negative attitudes, bullying, and limited opportunities for meaningful participation in classroom activities. Sensitization plays a vital role in addressing these challenges by developing awareness, empathy, acceptance, and positive attitudes towards disability and human diversity. Teachers need appropriate training and professional development to understand different disabilities, identify individual learning needs, adopt inclusive teaching strategies, and provide reasonable accommodations. Similarly, peer sensitization encourages friendship, cooperation, mutual respect, peer support, and active participation among children with and without disabilities. Various strategies, including awareness programmes, workshops, group activities, cooperative learning, storytelling, peer buddy systems, and anti-bullying campaigns, can contribute to developing an inclusive school culture. Collaboration among teachers, special educators, parents, school administrators, and community members further strengthens these efforts. The present topic highlights the importance of sensitization in reducing stigma, removing barriers to learning, promoting equal educational opportunities, and ensuring the dignity and participation of every child. Ultimately, sensitization fosters an inclusive educational environment in which diversity is valued, individual differences are respected, and all children receive opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.

Sensitization, Inclusive Education, Disability Awareness, Diversity, Children with Special Needs (CWSN), Teacher Training, Peer Support, Empathy, Equal Educational Opportunities, Social Inclusion, Positive Attitudes, Barrier-Free Learning Environment, Anti-Bullying, Accessibility, Child-Friendly Schools

"Sensitization of Teachers and Peers towards Disability and Diversity", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no.b515-b521, October-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610154.pdf

"Sensitization of Teachers and Peers towards Disability and Diversity", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no. ppb515-b521, October-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610154.pdf