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 25 SEPTEMBER 2013, WEDNESDAY 8.30 am – 4.30 pm HILTON HOTEL, KUCHING, SARAWAK INTRODUCTION 1. In continuation of the Forum on the issues concerning the right to education for children with learning disabilities which was held in Kuala Lumpur on 22 April and in Sabah on 23 September, the Commission held a similar Forum in Sarawak on 25 September. 2. The objectives of this Forum are the same as the other two Forums, that is, (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 about 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 was divided into two sessions; the first session was moderated by Commissioner Mr. Francis Johen Anak Adam and the second session by Vice Chair of the Commission, Datuk Dr. Khaw Lake Tee. Five presenters from various institutions were invited as panellists. The presenters for the first session were Adik Mohd Fariz Abdul Rahman from Sekolah Kebangsaan Rampangi (Lifelong Learning or Mainstream Education), Ms. Chew Siok Cheng from Methodist Care Centre (Challenges & Issues among the Special Education Teachers) and Mdm. Ng Kui Choo from Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak (Education for Children with Learning Disabilities: What Matters); while for the second session were Mr. Jamal Shukuri Bolhassan from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Demak Baru (Prioritizing Primary Education for Children with Learning Disabilities: Policies & Their Implementations) and Dr. Toh Teck Hock from Hospital Sibu (Screening & Diagnosing Learning Disabilities: Early Intervention Draws Positive Impacts). A total of 50 participants from various agencies including civil society organizations, teachers, parents and Government agencies attended the Forum. 75