Special Education Week highlighted the importance of inclusive education in Anguilla through advocacy, activities and the recognition of achievements this week.
The Department of Education’s annual celebration brought together educators, students, parents and advocates to promote awareness, support policy improvements, and recognise accomplishments.
Under the theme ‘Advancing towards a more accessible Anguilla’, the week began on Monday, 10 February, with a launch ceremony held at Adrian T Hazell Primary School in South Hill.
The event featured student performances, speeches, and the presentation of awards to those who have made a significant impact in the field of special education.
Throughout the week, students participated in field visits, a ‘Tourist for the day’ island tour of Anguilla’s landmarks, in-school activities, and a parents’ evening.
Acceptance and inclusion
At the launch event, Tracelyn Hamilton, education officer for student support services, welcomed guests and explained that this year’s theme is a call to move accessibility beyond physical accommodation.
Rather, accessibility must extend to fostering a culture of understanding, acceptance and inclusion in all areas of life, she said.
“We hope this week inspires you to act by committing to building a more accessible Anguilla – one where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to participate fully in our community,” she added.
Chief education officer Bren Romney stood to share some of the “remarkable strides” made in Anguilla’s special education sector.
These included eight new special education centres, teaching resources and technology, supportive policies and procedures, pertinent curricula, and trained teachers and teaching assistants.
“A truly accessible Anguilla is one where all individuals have the ability to access every opportunity available to them, whether in education, employment, or in community life,” he said.
Education minister Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers went on to applaud the teachers and support staff in the special education sector.
She said accessibility is the responsibility of the entire island and encouraged Anguilla’s community to “sacrifice more” to unlock everyone’s full potential.
Keynote address
The keynote address was delivered by entrepreneur and founder of My Anguilla Experience, Shellecia Brooks-Johnson, who is the mother of a student with special educational needs.
She took the audience through her personal journey, which mirrors those of many other families in Anguilla.
Brooks-Johnson praised the accomplishments of the Department of Education but added that the island does not yet have enough in place to support those with special educational needs.
She explained that some of the challenges include limited resources to support children with diverse learning abilities, as well as the social stigma attached to special needs.
Other challenges include difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis and the lack of adequate, non-discriminatory policies regarding hiring and employment.
“I envision an Anguilla where children and adults with disabilities are not only accommodated but fully included in educational, recreational, social and work settings,” she said.
Brooks-Johnson, Mikael Mussington, Tamara Richardson and the management of Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel were all given awards for their involvement in the special education sector.
Watch the launch ceremony in full here.
