Training educators to teach children with disabilities

By Saira LaFoucade

Founder/Coordinator,

Bethesda – For Persons with Disabilities

Education for children with disabilities should not be an option—it should be mandatory. The Education Act of Trinidad and Tobago says education is mandatory for all children under the age of 18. This, however, is not the reality.

Bethesda – For Persons with Disabilities offered our first teacher training session on Early Intervention in Mainstream Classes for teachers who teach children with disabilities, on Friday, July 17, at the Our Lady of Fatima RC Church, Curepe.

It was a mustard seed that was planted but we are certain it will grow as the principals and teachers who attended were certainly invested in facilitating children with disabilities in their schools.

It was truly wonderful to note schools across Trinidad participating: Pt Fortin RC; Bethlehem Girls’ RC; Princess Elizabeth Special Education; Four Roads Government; St Gabriel’s RC, San Fernando; Guayaguayare RC; Mt Lambert RC; St Dominic’s Penal RC and Palmeras Learning Centre.

Practical strategies for working with children with disabilities included:

1. Regulate or Educate
2. Disability Specifics
3. Intellectual Disabilities
4. Disability Statistics/Language
5. Signs of Autism
6. Specific Learning Disorders
7. Understanding what distinguishes a tantrum, a meltdown, a shutdown, and masking and how to help the child navigate these challenges
8. Looking at the ideal classroom with strategies as to how to implement some of these techniques
9. Practical intervention specifically for entry to primary school

As we continue to advocate for our children with disabilities, it is our hope that more schools invest in implementing strategies towards building an inclusive society.

For true transformation to occur change factors start from the home, continue through school, and build through church.

Bethesda continues our ministry through social events including our Respite camp which will be held at Holy Faith Convent, Couva, from July 27 to August 8, for families with children with disabilities.

There will be wellness services for parents, caregivers, siblings: manicures, pedicures, massages, and counselling along with camp activities designed for children with disabilities.

For more information, visit our Facebook page or contact us via bethesda4pwds@gmail.com or the Family Life Commission at aflcrc.org or their Facebook page.