To ensure children, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), get the best educational support they need, the PPP/C Government is leading the way in developing a national classroom that is safe, friendly, and staffed with qualified teachers to cater to each child’s unique learning needs.
This was disclosed by Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh during the unveiling of budget 2022 on January 26, last.
Minister Singh said the Ministry of Health will be collaborating with the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre on the said project.
To ensure persons with disabilities achieve their full potential, the economist said the PPP/C Government is of the firm conviction that the State must begin care and support from early childhood hence its pursuit of the aforementioned project.
Dr. Singh noted that there are approximately 500 children enrolled in the government’s Special Education Needs (SEN) schools. He said the administration will continue conducting assessments to identify other children throughout the education system that might require such services.
The economist noted, “Our administration will continue to work to destigmatise SEN and encourage our parents and children to access SEN services. Further, we have worked to ensure improved pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept) in the area of SEN.”
To this end, Dr. Singh said over 2,200 teachers have been trained to provide appropriate instruction. Additionally, he noted that over 100 teachers are enrolled in higher education training via the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme. “Their upskilling will surely serve to improve the learning outcomes of our SEN programme to the benefit of our children,” expressed the Finance Minister.
In addition to the foregoing efforts, the economist said civil works will continue on the Centre for Disability while adding the construction of a new care centre at Mahaica Hospital for children living with disabilities will commence this year. Additionally, the minister said two wheelchair buses will be purchased to aid in the transport of residents from the Mahaica Hospital and Training Complex.
