Morris-Dixon Calls on Diaspora to Bridge Gaps in Special Education Support

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Dr Dana Morris-Dixon, the nation's education minister, has issued a heartfelt call to the Jamaican diaspora for material support as Jamaica, like numerous other nations, records a steady climb in the number of children requiring special education services.

Speaking on Monday at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, Morris-Dixon said the Government is resolute that no child should be left behind. She was equally direct about present limitations. "We're not equipped," she told delegates.

"We have to do a lot of work in that area, and as a diaspora, I need your help. You need to commit to helping me — you're clapping, so you're committing to helping me! Our special education children cannot be left behind. They're just as important as every other child, and they have a lot to give to this country," Morris-Dixon argued.

She returned to the capacity gap without hesitation. "But we're not equipped. We need more diagnostic centers," the minister added, even as she outlined progress on a new assessment facility in Portland slated to open later this year.

"We're very happy about it because parents in Portland and St Mary won't have to travel long distances anymore to get their children assessed closer to home. That's great, and I'm happy," Morris-Dixon said with evident satisfaction.

Public diagnostic units overseen by the education ministry currently operate from the Mico University College in Kingston and the Sam Sharpe Teachers College in St James. Morris-Dixon stressed, however, that securing an assessment marks only the opening stage. The deeper strain lies in the scarcity of qualified therapy professionals.

"That's where we don't have a lot of experts. If any of you are in a school or university where you are training speech therapists or occupational therapists, or anyone working with children with special needs, we are here for you. If you want to do your practicals here in Jamaica and bring students here and work with our children, we're open. We're a very flexible m0inistry," Morris-Dixon stated.

"We understand that we may not have all of the resources here, but we're open to getting the support for the students in different ways. And of course, teacher development is very, very important," she added.

Morris-Dixon disclosed that her ministry has completed work on a special needs policy now set to reach Parliament in short order. "We did not have a special needs policy and there is one that is about to go to Parliament. And a big part of it is public education," she revealed.