EDITORIAL: Increase chances for PWDs education

The success of this nation has largely been attributed to Barbados’ focus on educating its population. It is often said that while the island does not have natural resources, our people have emerged to be a true resource that have pushed the country forward to become one of the leading developing nations. We cannot help but be proud of this accomplishment, even while realising there are still some hurdles to overcome. In this vein, there should be a similar educational revolution for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to ensure all have the necessary access to fulfill their highest potential.

 

There is a wide spectrum of PWDs, including those who are born with intellectual and physical challenges or those who develop them later in life. Last April saw the opening of the Derrick Smith School and Vocational Centre – a new secondary school and vocational centre for children with special needs who can be taught “life skills, self-sufficiency and a range of valuable skills” beyond primary education. It is a worthy investment that is sure to redound to the success of its students and sets the island once more on the path to offering services that other developing nations may not. 

 

There are notable examples of PWD students who have attended an able-bodied school and performed on par or even ahead of other students, for example the late Kregg Nurse and President of the Senate, Her Honour Senator Kerryann Ifill. And late last year, a dozen visually-impaired students impressively scored above average Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) results. Unfortunately, these achievements are few and far between, largely because some older PWDs did not benefit from more modern facilities that are inclusive or have the necessary formatting of educational material. In an island that prides itself on its high education rate, we should not prevent any individual from contributing to the island’s development or becoming a trailblazer in his or her own way. In short, our education must adapt to their needs.

 

Currently, there are a range of private, after hours classes available for persons to independently undertake secondary-level schooling to achieve certification. We hope in the future, a similar facility is made available to PWD students who are equally as capable of achieving at this level but did not have the opportunity in the past. We envision a pilot programme at more recently constructed schools that are already built to accommodate and cater to PWD students. Such a programme would serve several purposes: it would allow those adults to have the success of earning certificates, which in turn canbe used to become more marketable or continue their studies at the tertiary level. From there, the sky is the limit. After all, as Stephen Hawking’s accomplishments can attest, ability is in no way hindered by physical limitations.

 

It is a next step for the education sector: the total inclusivity of all Barbadians regardless of ability. While our current system is inclusive, there are others who did not have the necessary opportunities afforded to them in the past. We should be encouraged by the strides made by trailblazers and recognise that, just like last year’s visually impaired students showed, all PWDs need is to be given a chance. We should not deny them their moment.