PART 2 REPORT ON THE COMMISSION’S FORUM ON THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR CWLD KEY ISSUES DISCUSSED 32. During the Forum, the following issues were raised and discussed by the participants:a. The participants agreed that children with learning disabilities should be empowered with appropriate skills suitable with their abilities to make them independent and able to support themselves in future. b. Qualified and trained teachers – c. • Participants emphasized the importance of having qualified and trained teachers in special education programmes. The special education teachers would have the necessary skills to ensure effective communication and they are confident in handling the students. In addition, special education teachers should be given the opportunity to attend training to refresh and renew their skills and knowledge in the field of special education. • Besides proper training, the teachers should also have patience in dealing with children with learning disabilities. With that in mind, the participants called on the Education Department to minimize the administration workload of special education teachers. Early Diagnosis and Early Intervention – • Whilst the forum recognized the importance of early diagnosis of a child’s disabilities, it was nonetheless stressed that it is also crucial to acknowledge the functional ability of a child which would bring about positive result in early intervention programmes. The role of parents and teachers to observe and assess the development of the children, which is essential in early detection of developmental delay, was also emphasised. • On early intervention, it was flagged that such programme is one of the best approach to enable the children with disabilities. Dr. Hasnah Toran said that, despite monetary constraints, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia has adopted methods from other countries and developed tools to run early intervention programme. • On early diagnosis, it was highlighted that not all the doctors have the required expertise to diagnose children with disabilities and such diagnosis would need to be done by a group of specialist comprising Paediatrician, Psychologist, child psychiatrist and therapist. • In addition, the participants also stressed the serious need to review the medical school’s curriculum to include identifying and assessing signs of learning disabilities in children. 59