Research suggests that when parents work closely with their child’s childcare and education, the child performs better. This stands true irrespective of social background, size of family or the level of the parents’ education. In the long-term, when parents are closely involved, children make positive life choices which are more in line with their capabilities.

However, it is clear to the members of the Inspire Parents Circle that children with different abilities and disabilities continue to face barriers in their right to education as equal members of society. In view of this they have worked on a proposal that sets out to improve the educational, emotional and social development of our young generation.  Earlier this month, the proposal was presented to Family and Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia and prime minister’s wife Michelle Muscat.

The proposal sets out the parents’ position on a range of issues, all of which, in some way, will contribute to the betterment of the educational, emotional and social development of our young generation.

It also aims to include the specialist and outreach services, especially in relation to training, being provided by Inspire, which is the leading non-governmental organisation within the third sector that provides services to individuals with different abilities separately or jointly with government.

The recommendations below have been extracted from the proposal. All the recommendations are underpinned by the principles of equality and human rights and aim to promote a change to improve the lives of children and youths with a disability by ensuring their well-being. This will give them the chance to have a productive future where they can contribute to society at their maximum potential.

In order to safeguard the well being of our future population, we need to make sure that today’s standards of compulsory early education and childhood experiences are high in quality and that this is accessible to all children.

We need to provide NGO ­subsidies for children of all ages requiring support, including preschoolers, and encourage and support parents to seek these services.

Subsidy schemes through NGOs should further develop and also be available for a wider range of individuals and families who may need support in relation to their different needs. This may vary from additional academic support after school to specialised courses for persons with diverse abilities who wish to do office work and other secretarial duties.

We need to avoid the overlap between government and NGO services and work more collaboratively.

Tax rebates should be more flexible to incorporate all expenses that parents endure when sending their children to any programme outside of mainstream schooling where an LSA is required to support the child.

Specialised training modules in relation to disability should be provided as part of the formal 10-week introductory course for Learning Support Assistant (LSA). This programme also needs to include training on early intervention.

We need to ensure an effective system that allows children to still attend school when their LSA is on sick leave.

www.inspire.org.mt

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