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Improving Life for the Disabled
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Improving Life for the Disabled
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Contact:
Rose
Marie Harris Wednesday,
September 19, 2001 – Physically
challenged children living in the community of Soufriere now have the
opportunity to attend a special school catering to their needs.
It forms part of
Government’s ongoing effort to improve the quality of life for citizens of
Saint Lucia, especially the disadvantaged. “This project is tremendously
important,” said Soufriere parliamentary representative, Hon. Dr.
Walter Francois. “It is bringing to the forefront and making visible students
who are challenged. It is giving them an opportunity to leave home and to get
into a formal setting.” Dr.
Francois said parents who previously had to remain at home most of the time to care for the children will also benefit with the opening
of the school. “The few days the kids will be attending this school will
provide an opportunity where parents could have some free time for
themselves,” he said. Meanwhile,
the Ministry of Education is continuing to institute programmes and facilities
to improve opportunities for students with disabilities who are receiving an education in the regular school system. Minister
for Education, Hon. Mario Michel, said some
of the measures had already started to pay off, pointing out that two physically
challenged students had scored high marks in the 2001 CXC examinations. “No
longer do we just treat children with disabilities as persons to be
forgotten,” he said. “The
education system has specifically recognised their importance.” Among
the first steps taken by the Ministry to address the special needs of children
with disabilities, was the appointment of an education officer for special
education. “So
we now have a specialist within the Ministry whose business it is to manage that
area of activity,” Michel said. |
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