Ministry strives to find best educational approaches for children with special needs

KUCHING: Ministry of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development is studying the best approaches to education for children with special needs in Sarawak.

According to minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, this is being conducted by a unit under her ministry, which is going to Australia soon for a more in-depth study on the matter, adding that the ministry wants this undertaking to cover both Malaysia and overseas.

She also reiterates the proposal by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on the setting-up of a primary school for children with special needs in Sarawak.

“The study should identify the right philosophy, specific facilities, appropriate instructors and therapies and counsellors (for children with special needs),” Fatimah told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from representatives of Sarawak Welfare Council at her office here yesterday.

On the special primary school, the minister said it should benefit the target group, specifically during the early stage of intervention – when the children are aged between five and 12 – before they proceed to secondary education.

“We have special education schools and integrated schools, but we must bear in mind that the children’s disabilities are diverse. Therapeutic interventions for rehabilitation are also necessary for them,” she said.

On a related subject, Fatimah said the establishment of Sarawak Welfare Council, comprising 35 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), was meant for it to be the liaison towards facilitating the transformation of various matters involving individuals with disability in Sarawak.

“Thus, Sarawak can certainly fight for the rights of individuals with disability, apart from supporting them,” she added.