A ceremony to mark the opening of Special Education Week, under the theme “Different Abilities, One Aim”, was held during the morning of Monday, February 4th, at the Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Wilmoth Hodge. The National Song was sung by the audience, and the delivery of the welcome and opening remarks by Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton, Education Officer for Multi-Professional Support Services.
Before she began her address proper, Mrs. Hamilton, who had been recently appointed to her current post, paid recognition to the work of the former Education Officer with responsibility for Multi-Professional Support Services, Ms. Jacqueline Jeffery-Connor, who served in that capacity for several years.
Mrs. Hamilton then went on to stress that: “Special education is not a place, as many people see it, but it is a suite of individualized services and support for students, some of whom are in mainstream settings and others in smaller settings.” She lamented the stigma associated with disabilities, and explained: “This stigma stems mainly from intolerance of children with disabilities. Such stigmas may be due to the lack of relevant information on a particular disability. But once we understand a child’s abilities and challenges, we are better able to cater to him or her.”
She continued: “Creating an atmosphere where every child is comfortable is helpful to all students. Notably, there are different types of people in the world. But, undeniably, everyone has something to contribute.”
Mrs. Hamilton made mention of Walt Disney and Whoopi Goldberg who were diagnosed as having dyslexia, but who were known to influence the world in the entertainment arena. She also referred to Temple Grandin, who, being diagnosed with autism, succeeded against the odds to become an American professor.
The special guest at the ceremony was Mr. Euclid “Slick” Carty who was excited that he was invited to speak about his disability. He was involved in a motor vehicle accident, at the age of 25, which caused him to be wheelchair bound ever since.
Mr. Carty noted: “My condition was not easy to deal with in the beginning, but with the strength, support and encouragement of my family, I am able to survive. This is never a nice state to be in, but I make the best of it each day.”
Looking all across the audience, he remarked, “As I look at all of these kids here, I never believed that Anguilla could have so many physically challenged children. I am very surprised. But I am asking those parents, and supporters, of these kids to treat them well with respect and love because they are no less human. They have God-given life.”
Mr. Carty pleaded: “So please don’t push them in a backroom. Love them each and every day, even if you don’t feel like it. That is what keeps me going here in this chair. It is love and support. My wife, Diana, doesn’t have it easy with me. She goes through her ups and downs. And many times I feel down and out. But because of her love and support she says ‘Oh No! You have got to go on.’ And she is the one that keeps me rolling. So please treat these kids right and show love to them.”
The adults in the audience were particularly moved by Mr. Carty’s compassionate remarks. Some were overcome with silent emotion as well.
On another note, he added that there are places in Anguilla that do not properly cater for the disabled like him. He said there might be wheelchair ramps in some establishments, but the angles at which they are constructed do not make them conducive to proper mobility.
He also spoke about the lack of efficient facilities in restrooms, particularly at the hospital that are not properly retrofitted to provide ease for the disabled. It is hoped that it won’t be long before local public places of business hear Mr. Carty’s cry and provide facilities to adequately meet needs such as his.
Incidentally, following Mr. Carty’s remarks, the chairperson told the audience that he drives a special car that was retrofitted just for him.
Speaking on behalf of the Education Department, the Acting Chief Education Officer, Ms. Sandra Fahie, focused on the word “AIM” in the theme, which is a composite acronym for Acceptance, Integration, and Mentorship. She stated: “I wish to highlight the first word of the acronym — Acceptance. Obviously, this says to us that we are not all the same. There are differences in all of us, though we might be similar. This is what gives credence to our individuality, thus making us novel, unique and special. We are all bearers of special talents, skills and abilities. We all have varying proficiencies in particular areas. We are all specially created by God.
“All of us must be concerned and be committed to playing a part in providing the best opportunity there is for all our students, and to ensure that they develop and grow.
“At our various levels and in our different stations, we are asked to display a willingness to tolerate everyone and their circumstances. And I know that to be tolerant of people is easier said than done. However, in this case, I speak particularly of our children and the practice of including them whenever and wherever possible. We must accept that the circumstances are what they are. By so doing, we can offer and be open to ideas and suggestions as to what is better and more appropriate for them.”
The ceremony paid recognition with the issuing of awards to five loyal contributors to the various Special Education Needs (SEN) Units. These contributors included: J.W. Proctors; DIGICEL; Mr. Lanceton Connor; Mrs. Linda Boland and the Rotary Club. Many of the disabled and challenged children skillfully displayed their talents in music, song, and dance at the ceremony. Those persons who attended to witness the event were particularly impressed.
