Letter of the Day | Special needs learners deserve better

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Despite national conversations about inclusive education and student support, the lived reality for thousands of families tells a very different story: Jamaica is failing its special needs learners.

Recently in Portland, parents voiced their heartbreak as they struggled to find schools willing – or able – to accommodate their children with learning disabilities or developmental challenges. Many have spent months, even years, trying to secure assessments at public centres. Yet, appointments are either backlogged or unavailable. Private assessments, which are often the only alternative, remain out of reach for most due to cost.

I was an educator for over 11 years and experienced many adults’ learners who struggled with weaknesses. These weaknesses were never addressed; they were never formally assessed throughout their formal education years. I registered my seven-year-old child for a public assessment nearly a year ago. Despite countless follow-ups, I was told that the waiting time was at least one year. Eventually, I paid out of pocket to consult a private psychologist, just so I could get the diagnosis and support my child desperately needed. But not all families have that option – and they shouldn’t have to. In 2024 UNESCO also highlighted some gaps that needed to be addressed urgently.

It is time that we must ask the difficult questions:

• Why don’t all schools in Jamaica have Special Education Units or Learning Empowerment Centres?

• Why is special education not a core component of teacher training?

• Why are class sizes so large, leaving no room for individualized learning?

• Why do so many schools lack Career Development Officers, especially for students with unique learning profiles?

Are we deliberately – or inadvertently – leaving children behind?

These aren’t just rhetorical questions. They are cries for justice from families who feel abandoned by a system that promises opportunity but delivers exclusion.

As a parent and advocate, I am calling on the Ministry of Education, school administrators, and all stakeholders to prioritise the needs of students with disabilities and learning differences. This means more testing, more interventions, more trained educators, and more inclusive policies.

Improving access to special education is not just a moral imperative – it’s an investment in Jamaica’s future. When we empower all children to learn and thrive, we open the door to a more just, productive, and prosperous society.

I would like to thank Jamaica Dyslexia Association for being a beacon of hope and support during my family’s journey. Their work makes a real difference.

As we prepare for the next academic year, let us act – not just talk – to ensure that no child is left behind.

KAREN MCFARLANE