70 THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES – FOCUSING ON PRIMARY EDUCATION b. To introduce specific PPKI class by building up additional classes taking into account the needs of these students and not merely upgrading the existing classes; c. To provide more facilities for children with learning disabilities; d. To have a different assessment tools for children with learning disabilities which would replace the newly introduced Pentaksiran Berasaskan Sekolah (PBS) that is deemed unsuitable to assess these students. He suggested that the current Individualized Education Plan (Rancangan Pendidikan Individu (RPI)) to be used instead; e. To have a centralized database of registered PWDs to ensure schools are ready to receive students when a child reaches schooling age. Panel 5: Screening & Diagnosing Learning Disabilities: Early Intervention Draws Positive Impacts by Dr. Fauziah Zainal Abidin, Paediatrician, Hospital Wanita & Kanakkanak Sabah Dr. Fauziah flagged the following points:37. Based on her experience, the number of children with learning disabilities enrolled in schools is increasing. However, she opined that there are still many children who are unable to have access to education due to multiple reasons including logistical and geographical problems. 38. Most parents place low expectations toward the abilities or potentials in their children who suffer from learning disabilities. Societal stigma and negative perceptions of children with disabilities often led parents to succumb to intense pressure and stress. 39. She stressed that paradigm shift is paramount in addressing the issue of stigma. It was flagged that changes in mindset would necessitate better opportunities for children to learn, interact and participate fully in a society. It is important for the society to see the abilities of a child in her disabilities. 40. With regard to the assessment of a child, she informed that when the hospital received such request, the child would be assessed firstly by a Paediatrician. If necessary other specialists such as psychologist, psychiatrist, ophthalmologist and therapist would also assess the child. Confirmation if a child is disabled can only be made by a specialist and not a general practitioner. 41. She opined that partnership and collaboration with Klinik-klinik Kesihatan was also needed in order to assist in timely referral to Paediatrician and/or other specialists. Currently, the hospital also liaised with Welfare Department in assisting children with learning disabilities to get into Community Based Rehabilitation Centres.