Diaspora urged to help provide resources to assist children with special needs

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Noting that Jamaica, like many other countries, is seeing a rising number of children with special education needs, Education Minister Dr Dana Morris-Dixon has made a passionate plea to the Jamaican diaspora for resource assistance.While stressing that the Government is determined to ensure no child is left behind, the minister candidly acknowledged that “we're not equipped,” during her address to 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James on Monday.“We have to do a lot of work in that area, and as a diaspora, I need your help. You need to commit to helping me — you're clapping, so you're committing to helping me! Our special education children cannot be left behind. They're just as important as every other child, and they have a lot to give to this country,” argued Morris-Dixon.“But we're not equipped. We need more diagnostic centers,” added the minister, even as she pointed out that the Government is putting in place a new diagnostic facility in Portland which is scheduled to be opened later this year.“We're very happy about it because parents in Portland and St Mary won't have to travel long distances anymore to get their children assessed closer to home. That's great, and I'm happy,” argued an elated Morris-Dixon.Public diagnostic entities that fall under the education ministry are currently located at the Mico University College in Kingston, and the Sam Sharpe Teachers College in St James.However, the minister pointed out that assessment is only the first hurdle. The ongoing challenge is a severe shortage of therapy experts.“That's where we don't have a lot of experts. If any of you are in a school or university where you are training speech therapists or occupational therapists, or anyone working with children with special needs, we are here for you. If you want to do your practicals here in Jamaica and bring students here and work with our children, we're open. We're a very flexible m0inistry,” stated Morris-Dixon.“We understand that we may not have all of the resources here, but we're open to getting the support for the students in different ways. And of course, teacher development is very, very important,” added Morris-Dixon.She revealed that a special needs policy that was worked on by her ministry is now in place and will be heading to Parliament shortly.“We did not have a special needs policy and there is one that is about to go to Parliament. And a big part of it is public education,” revealed Morris-Dixon.On Sunday, the Observer Online had reported that the Ministry of Education is currently rolling out new special education spaces as Jamaica faces a surge in demand for special education services, with one official pointing to an alarming level in the Corporate Area, seemingly fuelled by school-aged children whose births coincide with epidemics or pandemics.