PART 2 REPORT ON THE COMMISSION’S FORUM ON THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR CWLD FORUM ON RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES 23 SEPTEMBER 2013, MONDAY 8.30 am – 4.30 pm PROMENADE HOTEL, KOTA KINABALU, SABAH INTRODUCTION 1. In continuation of the Forum on the issues concerning the right to education for children with disabilities which was held in Kuala Lumpur on 22 April, the Commission held two other Fora on the same topic in Sabah and Sarawak on 23 and 25 September respectively. 2. The objectives of the Forum were (i) to increase the number of children with learning disabilities in Malaysia receiving quality and inclusive primary education, (ii) to raise awareness among education professionals, decision makers and the public of the challenges children with learning disabilities experience in accessing primary education, (iii) to identify the gaps in information on education for children with learning disabilities in order to support for the education of children with learning disabilities and (iv) to build bridges between government agencies and civil societies, so as to promote more participatory, transparent and accountable policy-making in the education sector. 3. The Forum in Sabah was divided into two sessions; the first session was moderated by Commissioner Mr. Nordin Kasim Madating and the second session by the Vice Chair of the Commission, Datuk Dr. Khaw Lake Tee. Six presenters from various institutions were invited to present and share their views on certain assigned topics. The presenters for the first session were Puan Jenny Tham from Seri Mengasih Centre (Lifelong Learning or Mainstream Education?), Mr. Hambali Haji Shuib from Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Kolombong (Challenges & Issues among the Special Education Teachers) and Puan Nadia Hassan from Persatuan Ibubapa Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Kolombong(Education for Children with Learning Disabilities: What Matters); while for the second session were Tuan Haji Ahmad Sabari Kamari from Jabatan Pendidikan Sabah (Prioritizing Primary Education for Children with Learning Disabilities: Policies & Their Implementations), Dr. Fauziah Zainal Abidin from Hospital Kanak-kanak Sabah (Screening & Diagnosing Learning Disabilities: Early Intervention Draws Positive Impacts) and Puan Lily Chin from Unit Pembangunan Komuniti & Khidmat Masyarakat, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Kebajikan Am Negeri Sabah (Community Based Rehabilitation Centre: Empowering Children with Learning Disabilities). A total of 240 participants from various agencies including civil society organizations, teachers, parents and Government agencies attended the Forum. 61