The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports continues to foster an inclusive environment for all students to thrive and will focus on access and equity as it observes Special Education Week 2023 next week.

Permanent Secretary Dr. Marcia Potter said this year’s Special Education Week observance will be held under the theme, “Accessibility and Equity: A spectrum of possibilities.”

Dr. Potter said, “It is the aim of the Ministry of Education to strengthen its human capital through professional development opportunities, all the while increasing access and ensuring that equity is provided for all students.”

Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe said seven Special Education Teachers completed the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commonwealth of Learning Assistive Technology course in July. The course, she said, is a course aimed at identifying and utilising low cost and low-tech devices to support the learning of students with special needs, also known as the Introduction to Assistive Technology.

The Acting Chief said, “We continue in the commitment to special education needs and the hope to bring more awareness to the public in the upcoming week, all the while supporting the community of those with special needs.”

The week of activities is as follows:

Monday November 27 - Special Education Week Commences

Monday November 27 - Friday December 1 - Special Education Myth and Fact Special on the Government of the Virgin Islands Facebook page.

Tuesday November 28 - Schools engage in activities; Panel discussion

Wednesday November 29 - Special Education Word Recognition and General Knowledge Contest.

Thursday November 30 - Special Education Video Highlights on the Government of the Virgin Islands Facebook page.

Friday December 1 - Fun Night: Equity for all event at Cedar International School from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, remains committed to providing high quality education, as well as, to facilitate access to, and participation in sports and recreation, in an effort to enrich the lives of all residents of the Virgin Islands.