Learners with special needs and disabilities require specialised learning resources, assistive devices, and adapted technologies such as mobility aids and hearing aids.
This was said by Basic Education Director General Dr. Elyas Abdi in Kericho during the term two sports for learners with special needs.
Dr. Abdi also observed that learners with special needs required support to realise full potential through early identification, assessment and placement which are critical to effective provision of quality and relevant education and training for learners and trainees with special needs and disabilities.
He said the government provided capitation finances to learners in Basic Education institutions based on their level where learners with special needs and disability receive enhanced capitation.
“The government will ensure you learn and transit seamlessly by putting up classrooms, providing textbooks and teachers as required. Your role as learners is to work hard in school and in sports like you are doing,” said Dr. Abdi.
The Director General said the government is cognizant of notable challenges like lack of access to some of required equipment, difficulty in operating some types of equipment, unaffordability of some equipment and lack of specialised human resources to support learning and training such as braille transcribers, sign language interpreters, scribes, learner support assistants, house parents, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists.
He commended teachers saying they played a pivotal role in imparting knowledge, skills and attitudes to learners by nurturing talents and enabling them to develop to their full potential.
“Teachers serve as mentors, guides, and role models who influence academic development, personal growth and character formation of learners,” observed Dr. Abdi.
Dr. Abdi reiterated teacher education and management practices have a direct correlation with the quality of teaching and learning outcomes which includes training, recruitment, deployment, and remuneration, code of conduct, performance, promotion, professional development, as well as career growth and welfare.
Dr. Abdi bored that his office would present the petitions received during his tour of various villages hosting special needs sports in various schools in Kericho and that he would communicate through regional heads on the possible intervention on the challenges.
He encouraged his learners to work hard and be disciplined, obey rules and regulations as guided by teachers while the government strives to provide, promote and coordinate competency based equitable education.
By Joseph Kamolo Mutua
