Diaspora urged to help provide resources to assist children with special needs

Jamaica faces a growing challenge with an increasing number of children requiring special education services, prompting Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris-Dixon to make a heartfelt appeal to the Jamaican diaspora. During the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, she candidly admitted the government's current limitations, stating, "we're not equipped," to fully meet the needs of these students.

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we’re not equipped

Dr. Morris-Dixon emphasized that while the government is committed to ensuring no child is left behind, significant resource assistance is required. She specifically pointed to the urgent need for more diagnostic centers, noting that a new facility in Portland is set to open later this year, which will alleviate long travel distances for parents in Portland and St. Mary. Currently, public diagnostic centers are located in Kingston and St. James.

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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

Beyond assessment, the minister highlighted a severe shortage of therapy experts, including speech and occupational therapists. She extended an open invitation to the diaspora, encouraging individuals or institutions training such professionals to consider Jamaica for practical training, expressing the ministry's flexibility in seeking external support. Teacher development is also a critical focus.

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We need more diagnostic centers

To address these issues systematically, a new special needs policy, developed by the ministry, is on its way to Parliament. The policy includes a significant component on public education. This initiative comes as the ministry rolls out new special education spaces in response to a surge in demand, with one official noting a particularly alarming level in the Corporate Area, possibly linked to births during epidemic or pandemic periods.

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That’s where we don’t have a lot of experts.