JAMAICA | Provide Access to Education for Children with Disabilities PNP tells Gov't.

KINGSTON, Jamaica. July 21, 2023: The People’s National Party is reminding the Minister of Labour and Social Security that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) anticipates an inclusive education system.

In a statement, the PNP's Shadow Minister of Labour & Social Security  Dr. Angela Brown Burke reminded that  Sustainable Development Goal #4 presupposes the building and upgrading of education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive, providing a safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environment for all.

She said Recent allegations of discrimination and unfair treatment at two schools have brought to light the urgent need for action, noting the commitment of the Government to retrofit Merl Grove High School while ignoring Grants Pen Primary. This, she says, is a “clear indication of the challenge of equity that plagues our education system.”

Dr. Brown Burke pointed out that the Convention acknowledges the principle of "progressive realisation", which accepts the need for continuous efforts to make education and other social services accessible to all, including children with disabilities.

Therefore, it was expected that the Government would by now have tabled a program to move towards an inclusive education system. The Opposition, therefore, calls on the Minister to take immediate action to develop a comprehensive strategy for all schools to become accessible within a specific timeframe.

The first step in this strategy should be to prioritise the accessibility of one primary and one high school in each constituency. This approach will ensure that progress is measured at a local level, enabling communities to witness tangible improvements. We call upon the Government to set measurable milestones and make annual commitments towards achieving these goals.

The strategy must address several key accessibility issues, including:

1. Training of Teachers: Implement proper training programs to support teachers in effectively educating children with disabilities.
2. Access to Modern Technologies: Ensure schools are equipped with appropriate assistive technologies for enhanced learning experiences.
3. Provision of Teaching Aids and Resources: Provide schools with adequate resources and adaptive learning materials to cater to diverse needs.

It is essential for the Government to collaborate with stakeholders, including disability rights advocates, educators, parents, and students, to develop an inclusive and sustainable plan of action. By doing so, Jamaica can take significant strides towards fulfilling its commitment to providing quality education for all children, regardless of their abilities, the Oppositionspokesperson concluded.