Paper Title
Motivation And Special Education: A Study Of Kolkata Based Special Schools For The Blind

Abstract
Motivation is an internal process instigated by some need, leading to some action which will fulfill that need. Maslow recognized five such needs- physiological, safety, belongingness, self�esteem and self�actualization. Children differ in their levels of motivation. This difference is apparent even more in children with special needs. A large number of special schools exist in our country to educate particularly the blind, the deaf and the mentally retarded. Specially trained teachers deliver education with the help of special equipments and a curriculum improved to meet their needs. This study investigated about the facilities provided in the Special Schools for the Blind in Kolkata and to what extent these facilities were satisfactory in motivating blind children. Principals/Teacher-in-Charge of all the three Special Schools for the Blind in Kolkata were interviewed using semi�structured information schedule. Data in the form of detailed responses were analyzed qualitatively. Scarcity of trained teachers was an obstacle towards fulfillment of the need of belongingness. Shortage of teaching aids was another demotivating factor. Quality of vocational training needed enhancement in order to help blind children in developing their self�esteem. It can therefore be concluded that the prevailing facilities needed perfection in order to serve as a motivating factor. Keywords - Facilities, Kolkata, Maslow, motivation, Special Schools for the Blind.