Special Education Needs Week this year runs March 8th to 13th 2015. A week of activities will be held to celebrate this occasion. The week begins with a church service at the Ebenezer Methodist Church on Sunday, March 8th. Among the other activities is an exhibition to be held at the Orealia Kelly Primary School on March 10th – 12th from 10 am – 2 pm daily. The general public is cordially invited to go and view the work of the students on display. The purpose of this week is to sensitize other teachers, students and the general public to the work done in schools with the students in the various centres. We are striving to foster a strong link between home, school and community
To date, there are four (4) centres in the primary schools. One is located at The Orealia Kelly Primary School in Stoney Ground. This centre caters to children with severe learning difficulties. Another is located at the Valley Primary School. This one caters to students with social, emotional and behavioural challenges. The third is located at the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School in South Hill. This centre accommodates students with moderate learning difficulties. The fourth, the D.O.V.E centre (Developing Our Vision for Education) is located at the Alwyn A. Richardson Primary School in West End. This centre caters to students with more severe and profound disabilities.
There are also classrooms at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School that cater to students with special needs. In these classrooms the teachers work with students at their level.
In the primary schools each centre is manned by a trained Lead Teacher and a Teaching Assistant(s). Other persons who work directly with these students include the Speech and Language Pathologist and the School Counsellor. At times other agents, such as the Schools’ Psychologist, the Clinical Psychologist and the Schools’ Nurse, also play a vital role in supporting students in the centres.
The theme of this year’s Special Needs Week, is the same as in previous years – “Our challenges do not limit our abilities.” In other words, our abilities do not have to be limited by our challenges. Challenges come in one form or the other. Based on our experience, personal challenges are related to cognition, physical, social and emotional characteristics. According to Arthur C. Clarke: “The limits of the possible can only be limited by going beyond them into the impossible”.
There are several persons whom we have read about, seen on television, heard about, or even came across in our day to day activities, who have succeeded in life in spite of their challenges. Just to name a few: Nick Vujici was born with no arms or legs but has not, nor does not, let his physical disability hinder him from participating in a variety of sports. Additionally, he is a great motivational speaker who encourages persons to “Be thankful, dream big and never give up.” He also encourages persons not to focus on the things they cannot do but to ask him/herself, “What can I do?”
Next there is Jessica Cox who was born without arms but can do most things that normal persons do. Today, she is the first pilot without arms. She states that the only adversity she faces is the lack of acceptance from persons. Like Jessica, we should not allow fear to get in the way of opportunities. In spite of one’s challenge, whatever a person sets his/her mind to do, it can be done.
Then there are and were several famous persons among others who were challenged with dyslexia (a learning disability which affects Reading, Writing and Spelling) but nevertheless became successful because of their perseverance. Namely, Will Smith comedian, actor, producer and rapper; Tom Cruise film actor and producer; Magic Johnson famous basketball player, ;Alexander Graham Bell who invented the first practical telephone; Thomas Edison who invented the light bulb; Winston Churchill who became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leonardo da Vinci who was a great painter and designer.
Nearer home, in our society, there are many persons with challenges of one form or the other. They need to be, and feel, included in society – not marginalized or stigmatized. They also need to be loved just as they are and supported in their efforts. As previously mentioned, persons with challenges can succeed if given the opportunity.
A question was once posed to a well-known Anguillian as to his disability. He remarked, “I do not have a disability.” Rightly so, in spite of his inability to see, he is able to get around and do things and be engaged in activities that other persons are able to do. He sees himself as a normal individual whose challenge does not limit his abilities. The focus should therefore be on possibilities, not limitations, since there are limitless possibilities. Further, we must adopt the attitude of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4: 19 which states, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
In closing, in light of our theme, “Our challenges do not limit our abilities,” it is a welcomed sight to see persons with challenges, in particular physical challenges, emerging and taking up employment in the public sector in Anguilla. We must therefore be appreciative of those employers who have made this possible, and we are encouraging the private sector to follow likewise. We are also thankful for the parents, teachers and agents who are making a difference in the lives of the special students in our schools. It is my prayer that teachers, students and parents alike have an enjoyable week of activities with long lasting memories.
