BASSETERRE St. Kitts, September 8th 2011 - Many persons in St. Kitts-Nevis are familiar with the term, ‘special needs’. However, some may wonder who fits into the category of ‘special‘.

Some may go on further to ponder as to how such an individual needs to be catered to, at home or in the general circle of life.  How can one ensure that these persons get a fair shake at the opportunities that present themselves to those considered ‘normal’?  Having observed children and some adults with special needs, it is becoming more apparent that these are questions that have puzzled the general public. These uncertainties in turn force them to go to the extremes of either pitying or ridiculing them.

Anyone that falls in the bracket of ‘special needs’ has undergone some structured observation and/or testing, which would have indicated that the person’s academic, physical or emotional development. would have fallen outside of what is considered normal growth and development.  A classification of ‘special needs’ means that the child has to be taught differently using approaches and materials that would not be used ordinarily in a regular classroom.  Having to receive special education services does not indicate that the individual has ‘nothing going for them’ or cannot function as normally as possible.

Society’s Treatment of Special Needs Children

We have observed how societies treat persons that they consider ‘not normal’. In the past they were hidden away by their families who thought it embarrassing to have such a child out in public.  Some parents have operated on the basis of pride, coupled with the advice of friends, and subjected their children to the regular education system which does not cater to their needs. Often, the parents complain later, singing all the ‘couldas’, ‘wouldas’ and ‘shouldas’; that is, that they should have done what was right in the first place:- allow the child to gain access to special education programmes that would enhance his/her unique abilities.

 
We have seen some of our special population treated as village clowns, idiots and nuisances, as some people think that they do not know better and need to be treated less than human. On the other hand, some persons allow them to do things that they know are wrong, yet insist on saying that they cannot do any better, or refer to them as being ‘moo-moo‘. Parents are their children’s best advocates and if they do not step up to the role, others will.  The old adage rings very true that “it takes a village to raise a child”.  That can be for good as well as for bad, as we have seen over and over again.

In recent times we have observed some positive steps in society’s attempt to accept and treat persons with special needs like all other citizens. An increase in the number of families that encourage their loved ones to seek services that can best address their needs is one such indicator. We have seen growth in the numbers of students who are enrolled in active education programmes as well as those who get their needs addressed in special programmes at the regular primary and secondary levels of our education system. Several institutions have put physical structures in place to cater to those who may need assistance, such as the use of Braille on the number pads at the bank, and ramps for easy access to common amenities.

 
Being a part of a specialized programme is no indication of an inability to achieve. Instead it is allowing the child to reach his/her full potential in whatever area best suits the ability of that child.  Children do not always have to succeed in academics.  We have seen our education system graduate many who are not academically inclined and find it difficult to gain employment due to the lack of basic skills.  The market is ripe and begging for skilled workers and at last we have made these options available to the many that are interested, without looking down at them.

We have watched some of the persons who have graduated from specialized programmes in our academic system and have noted the positive attitudes and work ethics that they display in the wider society and we are proud of them. Some employees have even mentioned that they perform better than those coming from the regular schools. We believe that with strong family and community support, persons with special needs can be productive citizens making positive contributions to society.

Working with persons with special needs requires one to exercise a great deal of patience and love.  Patience is indeed a virtue needed for such a task. Those of us who have laboured in the field for more than ten years can truly say we are blessed and better able to achieve job satisfaction when we see our work blossoming outside of the walls of a school building.

 
How can society assist in helping these special individuals make good use of the opportunities that come their way?

• Encourage the parents/guardians of these individuals to be proud of their achievements.  Help them to become their advocates; fighting for opportunities that would enhance their level of contribution to their homes and communities. The days of shame and disappointment are long gone.  If the parents don’t assist, then who will?
• Start offering more opportunities in the work places for persons with special needs to obtain some independence, while developing their self confidence and work skills. They become less of a burden on society when they can help themselves.
  
• Exercise great patience and understanding when dealing with these individuals. It goes a long way in ensuring positive growth in whatever they are trying to achieve.
  
• Invest in programmes that have been and/or are being developed to ensure children and adults with special needs get the assistance they need to become the best they can be.

Remember a chain is as strong as its weakest link, just as a country is as good as its inhabitants. Let us continue to build our country with care, patience and love, for ALL of our citizens.

Submitted by,

Michele Jacobs

Principal, Cotton-Thomas Comprehensive

(formerly Special Education Unit)

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