Students, teachers and families came together for an action-packed week celebrating the achievements of learners with special educational needs in Anguilla.
From lively performances and hands-on school activities to educational trips and community events, the week highlighted the importance of inclusion, support and pride in every student’s abilities.
The Department of Education hosted Special Education Week 2026 from 8 to 13 February under the theme, ‘Special education: Reimagined. Reframed’.
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The activities officially began with an opening ceremony held on 9 February at Orealia Kelly Primary School in The Valley, the department said in a press release.
The ceremony was attended by students with special educational needs from both public primary and secondary schools, along with family members, teachers, support staff and government officials.
It was chaired by teacher Avecia Webster and featured addresses from chief education officer Bren Romney and Jocelyn Johnson, principal assistant secretary in the Ministry of Education.
The keynote address was delivered by Celestine John, a retired educator and former special educational needs teacher.
In her presentation, she likened the development of the special educational needs services in Anguilla to the dramatic evolution of photography, highlighting progress, clarity and expanded possibilities.
During the ceremony, the students performed on stage with enthusiasm and pride, drawing warm applause and heartfelt encouragement from the audience.
Tracelyn Hamilton, education officer for student support services, emphasised the importance of affirming the students’ sense of identity and capability.
“In the past, assessments focused heavily on deficits and limitations,” she said. “Today, our focus is on strengths – on what a child can do, not on what they cannot.
“Our role is to support each child’s educational needs so they are empowered to make meaningful contributions to society.”
She went on to highlight the broader societal benefits of increased openness, respect and appreciation for diversity, and stressed the importance of advocacy.
Activities for the week included a church service at Outreach Baptist Church in The Valley, an educational trip to St Martin, in-school activities, and a fun day at the Agriculture Grounds.
Currently, the Department of Education provides specialised support to about 55 primary and secondary students with special educational needs.
Assistance includes speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, counselling, educational psychology, school health nursing, education welfare, reading intervention and more.
All public schools, with the exception of Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, have established student
support units.
Morris Vanterpool Primary School and Valley Primary School also have sensory units designed to support students who benefit from environments that promote self-regulation and skill development.
