Inclusion of persons with learning difficulties

The Independent, 17 May 2010

A seminar of the Equal Partners Foundation discussed the effect of the educational policies on the schooling and inclusion of persons with learning difficulties. There was a healthy discussion where parents showed their concern about some of the current policies, like withdrawing children from the classroom for long periods to resource rooms or learning zones and to attend resource centres during school time.

They also voiced concern over sending these children home if the LSA was absent from school. Parents would like to see teachers and LSA supported to include all children in the classrooms rather than offering them ways of having the children dealt with by others and out of class. Parents would like to see positive changes that would enhance the learning opportunities of their children.

The seminar preceded the foundation’s annual general meeting, during which an overview of the work carried out by the foundation was presented to the members. This year, three new members were co-opted into the committee to replace other members who had stepped down. The audited accounts of the Foundation were also presented to the members and approved.

The Equal Partners Foundation, a parent-run, non-profit organisation, works for and with persons with disability and/or learning difficulties.

Anyone wishing to know more about the foundation can visit the website at http://equalpartnersmalta.org/ , or send an email to info@equalpartners.org.mt or phone 2125 0400.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=106235