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THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES –
FOCUSING ON PRIMARY EDUCATION
parents was a significant factor in helping children who suffer from learning
disabilities to develop themselves. In addition, the parents and teachers
should collaborate and have a close-relationship in order to create
conducive environment for the development of the students.
DISCUSSION ON KEY ISSUES
Placement of Children with Learning Disabilities in Schools or CBRs
20. In response to the issue of the procedure for the placement of children
with learning disabilities, Mr. Hambali responded that MOE has guidelines
and checklists which should be followed by parents before enrolling their
children in schools. The guidelines, among others, require the parents to
bring their children for screening test and; if the children were found to
have symptoms of learning disabilities, the children should be referred to
State Education Department for school placement. In practice, the State
Education Department would propose the nearest school for the children
in order for them to undergo screening test in school done by special
education teachers. These screening tests in school include assessment on
self-management, behaviour, manipulative, language and mathematic
test. Those who pass the assessment would be enrolled in the special
education programme in mainstream schools, while the rest would be
referred to CBRs. A probation period of three (3) months would be given for
those children with learning education in mainstream schools. He opined
that it is important for proper placement in order to bring about substantial
benefits to the children.
21. Puan Jenny further added that the delay of placement and ongoing process
of upgrading the system should not result in lack of parental responsibilities
and duties to provide early education for their disabled children. Therefore,
trainings to the parents are also needed so that they could act as the first
trainer.
22. In addition, Mr. Hambali added that the collaboration and communication
between mainstream schools and CBRs is also important in assisting the
parents to decide the appropriate placement in the best interest of their
child.
23. Furthermore, a participant from State Education Department reiterated that
the placement of children with learning disabilities is entirely based on the
stated assessment and is followed by a 3-months probation period in school.
These students would be recommended to enrol into CBR whenever they
show low/negative response during the probationary period.
Lack of Facilities in School
24. A participant from the Cheshire Home praised the development of Special
Education Schools for children with disabilities. However, there are children
who have multiple disabilities including physical disabilities who face
difficulties in enrolling in school because of physical barriers in schools.