JSC: Help disabled pupils more

The report, dated July 7 was laid in the Lower House yesterday.

It urged that all teachers be trained in special-needs education, and that more specialist-teachers be supplied to help such pupils.

The report said a public hearing on June 6 had heard of educational challenges at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, including a lack of specialist teachers, aides to pupils and sign language interpreters.

“Frequent bullying of students within the Secondary school system, and a lack of awareness and sensitization of teachers, students and the general public,” were also serious concerns.

The consultation also revealed a lack of technical assistance for teachers and students within the classroom, including a lack of software to assist disabled pupils.

The committee urged these woes be addressed, especially by training for all teachers in special education including autism.

It said the Ministry of Education must assess the equipment/ technology and staff needed for an inclusive education policy. “A Disability Affairs Unit (must) be established within each tertiary institution to assist students and the administration in resolving key issues at the particular school.” Otherwise the report used a review of the laws on disability, accurate collection of statistics, better physical access and attitudinal changes.

The committee also the Ministry of Transport to boost public transport for disabled persons by buying regular buses to boost the capacity of the existing ELDAMO fleet. The Ministry of Planning must enforce building standards to allow disabled access.

The report also urged the Government to draft a revised National Policy on Persons with Disabilities within two months to go to public consultation.

Otherwise the report revealed that the Ombudsman has received 149 complaints against the National Insurance Board regarding claims for invalidity benefit. Further, the Equal Opportunities Commission has received 49 complaints of unfair treatment, namely employment (32 complaints), education (six complaints) and provision of goods and services (11).