Educating disabled students

One must rejoice at the fact that the education in Malta of students with a disability has, in some aspects, kept up with the most advanced trends in other countries. This is primarily the case in the adoption of an inclusive education. The attendance of disabled students at special schools is, thank goodness, only limited to extreme cases.

Unfortunately, this is not the case in other aspects. Heads of school ought to be made aware of the needs of disabled students.

Facilitators and kindergarten assistants must be better trained in a professional manner to see to the needs of disabled students, who deserve an education that is tailor-made to their abilities.

The professional training of educators in this field should not be a one-off event. Their training ought to be continuous and regularly updated.

These educators ought to work hand in hand with the parents of these students, to ensure that the students get the best possible education that their special needs require. Needless to say this also applies to students attending special schools.

The employment of professionals to train these educators must be given top priority. Time is running out for many of these students. Every effort must be made to ensure that all disabled students receive the education that they are entitled to.

Our movement appeals to the authorities to take heed of the genuine concerns of the parents of these students. No stone is to be left unturned and no delays ought to be permitted.

It would be a national disgrace if more disabled students come to the end of their formal education without receiving the professional assistance that is taken for granted in the developed world.