Jamaicans living overseas with speech and occupational therapy expertise are encouraged to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Youth to support local students with special needs.
Enhancing services for special needs students
During the ‘Transforming Education in Jamaica in the Digital Era’ session at the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on June 18, Portfolio Minister Hon. Fayval Williams emphasized the Ministry’s efforts to enhance services for special needs students across the island.
She highlighted the ongoing call for qualified diaspora professionals to lend their expertise, aiming to strengthen the support provided to these students.
Commitment to student achievement
The Ministry’s commitment is to ensure that all students achieve and excel in their chosen fields. Permanent Secretary Dr. Kasan Troupe shared that Jamaica operates 20 publicly funded exclusive schools dedicated to students with special needs.
In areas lacking public facilities, the Government collaborates with private entities to offer necessary services.
Addressing assessment needs
One critical area identified is the provision of assessment services, which are notably expensive.
To address this, the Government has established assessment service programs at various institutions, including Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, Church Teachers’ College, The Mico Care Centre, and a new facility at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland.
Support for inclusive education
Students with special needs who can function in regular school settings benefit from specialized pull-out sessions with trained educators.
These student assessment pathway coaches are embedded in schools to support teacher training, co-teaching, and co-planning.
Currently, 167 high schools benefit from these support coaches’ presence.
United for Jamaica’s transformation
The 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment,’ was held from June 16 to 19.
The event gathered over 1,100 diaspora members, stakeholders from various sectors, and local Jamaican leaders to explore strategies addressing key challenges and harnessing opportunities for transformative change.
