Empowering Abilities: A Block-Level Study on Assistive Technology in Special Education for Rural Children of Kolaghat Community Development Block

This research investigates the use and influence of assistive technology (AT) in special education across rural areas of the Kolaghat Community Development Block, specifically targeting the villages of Brindaban Chak, Siddha, Gopal Nagar, Khangdihi, and Sagarbarh.In these locations, children with special needs frequently encounter educational and social exclusion due to inadequate inclusive infrastructure (Singh & Chatterjee, 2021).The study examines how both basic and advanced assistive tools are applied in educational settings to support learners with physical, cognitive, sensory, and developmental challenges (Mukherjee, 2020).Employing a mixed-methods framework, the study collects quantitative data through surveys with teachers and supplements it with qualitative insights from interviews with parents, special educators, and school authorities (Das & Banerjee, 2022).The analysis uncovers major obstacles such as limited awareness, scarce availability, and insufficient training in AT use (Roy & Sharma, 2019), but also identifies successful interventions that have positively impacted learning (Gupta, 2021).The research concludes by advocating for enhanced training, community involvement, and supportive policies to foster inclusive learning environments in rural Bengal (Chakraborty & Saha, 2023).