Opposition Spokesperson on Gender, Elderly and Persons with Disabilities, Denise Daley, says she is deeply concerned by reports that the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is being forced to turn away students because of staffing shortages.

For children who are blind, visually impaired or living with multiple disabilities, access to specialised education and the appropriate support can make a significant difference in their development, independence and future opportunities. It is therefore unacceptable that children in need of these services may be unable to access them because the institution does not have the capacity to accommodate them. “This situation is deeply concerning. No child should be placed in a position where they cannot access the education they need because there are not enough teachers and support personnel available to meet their needs. We have to do better for our children with disabilities,” Ms Daley said.

Daley noted that the needs of students attending specialist institutions can be significantly different from those in the wider education system and require appropriate levels of staffing and specialised support. As the profile and needs of students continue to evolve, the support provided to these institutions must evolve with them. “The Government has a responsibility to ensure that our special education system is adequately equipped to respond to the children it serves. We need to further strengthen the staffing complement at specialist schools and ensure that the resources provided are aligned with the actual needs of students, particularly those with multiple disabilities,” she said.

She is calling for an urgent assessment of the staffing situation at the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as other specialist institutions, with a view to addressing existing gaps and ensuring that no child is denied access because the necessary support is unavailable.

Daley said this must form part of a wider effort to strengthen Jamaica’s system of support for persons with disabilities. “Strengthening special education means looking at the whole picture. It means ensuring that we have enough trained teachers and support staff, but also that students have access to assistive technology, transportation and facilities that are accessible and appropriate for them. We must continue to build a system that does not simply accommodate children with disabilities, but gives them every opportunity to learn, grow and thrive,” Ms. Daley said.

The Spokesperson is urging the Government to engage with the school, the Salvation Army, parents and disability advocates to identify the immediate needs and ensure that the necessary support is provided. “We cannot say that we are committed to inclusion while children are being turned away. Inclusion must be backed by action, resources and a willingness to continuously improve the systems that serve our most vulnerable citizens. Our children deserve nothing less,” Ms Daley said.