Now is the time for Dyslexia Centre

23.MAR.07

Editor: I must congratulate the Adult Education Unit and the Ministry of Education in taking the initiative by holding a teachers workshop to enable teachers to teach Dyslexic persons in the State. It has been long overdue! I would like to hope that both the Ministry and the Adult Education Unit will seriously consider setting up a special unit for persons with specific learning difficulties (Dyslexia). This unit would be the jumping off point not only for persons with difficulties but a resource and training centre for teachers to enable them to be located in schools as SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators).{{more}} These SENCOs are vital in assisting and liaising with teachers, helping formulate IEPs (Independent Educational Plans), as well as assisting teachers in teaching methodology for students with learning difficulties and liaising with parents of children with special needs. Teachers themselves can be trained to assess students in their care and also be trained as specialists in teaching and assessing Dyslexic persons; however an Educational Psychologist is the only person who is privy to a wider battery of tests. An Educational Psychologist combined with a Speech and Language Therapist are essential components in any special needs environment.

Barbados has had a Dyslexia Unit for some years. St. Lucia has just opened their Centre in the past six months. If St. Vincent and the Grenadines is serious about special education and its place in the ‘Education Revolution’ then now is the time to begin the planning and implementation of such a Centre.

Lynden Punnett Dip.SpLD (Dyslexia)