A five-year strategy is in the process of being crafted in the education

system that caters to those with special needs, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said on Friday.

The strategy was influenced by a needs analysis of the overwhelming majority of suggestions coming out of the nationwide consultations that were spearheaded by the Education Ministry to address as corporal punishment, special needs education and automatic promotion.
“We have been listening to those parents, students, teachers members of the community … checking to see from the people who are disabled, what it is we can do to make your lives better as students,” Minister Manickchand said while addressing an education month rally held  in the auditorium of Queen’s College.
Her remarks came after Leon Walcott, Chairman of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons Living with Disabilities had bemoaned what he considered “attitudinal” issues among those who impart knowledge to students with special needs and the course at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) which he believes is not equipping teachers with the right knowledge on how to communicate with the disabled.
“CPCE should have ensured that they have the right candidate for special needs education… … academic excellence must take second place to the attitude of the teacher involved,” Walcott said.
He sought to highlight some distinguishing characteristics about persons with disabilities that sometimes create barriers for tutors and believes that knowledge about such characteristics makes the process of teaching persons with disabilities much easier.
Education month in September is significant for the differently-abled who usually gets the Ministry’s approval to take a deaf awareness message to schools of their choice according to Walcott.
Although peeved at some head teachers and senior masters who often request written permission from the Minister of Education he lauded the ministry for “being on track” with support to the differently abled in society.
The theme for education month 2012 “Transforming the Nation through Inclusive Education” was described by Walcott as fitting, especially where persons with disabilities are concerned.
A well choreographed dance titled “The Signal” by the Deaf in Guyana Association at the education month rally was a reminder that the nation’s youth regardless of their challenges can soar to heights.
“In Guyana when we speak of special needs education, in 2012 we are really speaking of our special needs students,” Minister Manickchand said as she drew parallel with other countries’ interpretation of inclusive and special needs education.
Having achieved universal access to primary education, gender and geographic parity Minister Manickchand said Guyana’s achievements in the education sector are unparalleled.
“When we speak of inclusive education today, the fact that we are speaking of our special needs students, is in itself an accomplishment for our country because we have achieved what many countries are still striving for,” Ms. Manickchand said.