Latest news with #Disabilities
Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
Blaming the parents is easier than fixing Britain's special educational needs system
Many parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are likely to be too busy fighting the broken education system to notice they are actually being blamed for it. Their lives are spent constantly having to fight to get what most children and families take for granted – the education their child needs and deserves. For all the talk of parents trying to get special treatment, or a 'golden ticket' for their children, research from the National Autistic Society shows a quarter of parents (26 per cent) waited over three years to receive support for their child. Even after this, nearly three quarters (74 per cent) said their child's school place did not meet their needs. Our SEND system is supposed to provide children with the support they need. But over the last decade and a half, the funding and staff time for mainstream schools to make small changes or bring in support, without needing additional funding through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), has been systematically stripped from the system. When children's needs aren't met, they don't go away, they escalate. The result is that children are pushed ever closer to the brink and then require more intensive support. Getting help in school shouldn't require a child to have a clinical diagnosis. Yet, say that to any parent of a child with SEND and they would rightly laugh in your face, as they often face unlawful refusals from councils to even look at their child's needs until they have a diagnosis. Then the statistics get even more galling. Currently 224,382 people are waiting for an autism assessment in England – that's around the population of Portsmouth. The average waiting time for an assessment is 14 months, with many people waiting even longer. Recently, a woman in Oxford was told she would have to wait 16-18 years. Once a child has a diagnosis, it's far from a 'golden ticket', as so often claimed. Parents of autistic children have to fight, some having to remortgage their house or take out loans, to afford the expensive legal battles that overwhelmingly find in their favour. £60 million of public money was wasted sending families to the independent SEND Tribunal in 2021-22 to enforce their child's legal rights, while 99 per cent of cases in 2023-24 found in favour of parents. If you're looking for real waste in the SEND system, this is a staggering example. To fix the SEND system, support must meet children's needs early on. Imagine how much more our education system, and the children in it, could achieve if we didn't ignore and belittle children that need support. How much more prepared for adult life and all its trials and tribulations a child could be, armed with the knowledge of their autistic identity, rather than being sneered at for 'chasing' a 'label'. How many more families could live in financial security without having to give up work if the system had the resources to approach their requests with options, rather than a closed door. How many more disabled children could walk happily with their brothers and sisters to school, rather than having to rely on school transport for journeys miles and miles away from home. It's right that the Government tries to fix this broken system. It's clear though that any reform should focus on strengthening children's rights to early and less intensive support and making sure teachers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to support kids in their classrooms. Put quite simply: EHCPs aren't the problem in the system. Nor is school transport. The problem is that the system legally responsible for supporting our nation's disabled children is not resourced or equipped to do that. That's why the National Autistic Society will campaign as part of the Disabled Children's Partnership – a coalition of 130 organisations from national charities to grass root parent groups – to get the right reforms from the Government. Families don't want anything 'special', they just want the same thing as other families – the education their children need. Now is the time to get this right, not blame parents and take away children's futures.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
The touring Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Fest rolls into Subang Jaya this Saturday
The Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival (YSDAF) 2025, designed as a touring festival this year, rolls into PARC, Subang Jaya this Saturday (July 5) – turning the serene lakeside community hub into a buzzing arts playground for the day. This YSDAF 2025 date is the second part of its Urban Tour series, which takes the spirit of KLPac on the road – bringing festival favourites to new neighbourhoods. If you're missing YSDAF's traditional home at KLPac and its sprawling, leafy grounds, PARC looks set to fill the gap – offering the masses an open-air arts escape. There will also be plenty of indoor activities. YSDAF, which is free admission, runs from 11am to 5pm, with over 330 artistes and 80 arts activities. No need to worry about parking either – free YSDAF shuttle vans run from 10am onwards between LRT Subang Jaya and the venue, making your arts-filled Saturday even easier. Food trucks and eateries will be on hand to keep the crowd fuelled throughout the day. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring their own flasks, containers, and cutlery. Ramps in and out of the main building also make the event accessible, with dedicated festival ambassadors on hand to assist Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Other amenities include a nursing room, calm room, and water refilling stations. The Young KL Singers invites you on a mysterious journey with a selection of choral songs on folklore and folktale from South-East Asia. Photo: YSDAF Highlights include performances by Young KL Singers, MyDance Alliance, Orang Orang Drum Theatre, and The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat, alongside special acts like a traditional Jikey troupe from Penang and a Mandarin children's theatre piece by Hongjiejie Work Station. Arts without barriers Making their debut today are two winning projects from the YSDAF 2025 Pitch Start grant, both creatively engaging Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). 'A Synesthetic Symphony: The Art of Sound and Sight' is a multi-sensory performance featuring blind artists creating abstract art in response to live music performed by marginalised and special needs children. Exploring synesthesia in the visually impaired, the work reveals how the absence of sight can inspire unique artistic expression. 'I was moved to tears at a recent preview, seeing artists of different abilities and backgrounds working together. It reminded me what YSDAF is really about – and what the arts are about,' says Ian Chow, festival co-director. In the YSDAF programme, the drum circle gathering is always a crowd favourite. Photo: YSDAF Also premiering is 'OH! Together-Gather in the Kalendar', a site-specific installation reimagining the traditional Chinese calendar through poetry, scent, and touch – including suspended, braille-printed paper delicately folded like origami. Into the Handyzone PARC will be the first tour stop to host 10 Handyzone booths — a fan-favourite YSDAF feature where visitors can pick up new skills and create their own mini-masterpieces. While most pre-registered slots are full, walk-ins are welcome to join the waiting list at least 15 minutes before each workshop, as last-minute spots may open up. All-day activities are also available, including Fashion Revolution Malaysia's Communal Weaving, where you can weave with discarded textiles and plastic waste, and "Lakar" by Mekar's Live Mural Workshop, where festivalgoers help restore a container with a nature-inspired design. Lakeside chill out In addition to its indoor main stage, the festival will feature two outdoor stages. Bring a mat, your kids, and good vibes - the festival at PARC on July 5 promises fun for the whole family. Photo: YSDAF By the lake at Stage One, two commissioned installations by the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) set the scene – "Floating Islands", with seven pavilion structures, and "Nothing But Us", an interactive piece inviting festivalgoers to leave their mark as a reminder that no one is alone. It's the perfect spot to unwind with anime tunes by the KLPac Symphonic Band or take in Hanyut, a dance and drum performance exploring environmental themes. Further along, tucked into a quiet corner, Stage Two hosts a line-up of buskers curated by Stage ReSet. YSDAF 2025 will culminate in the finale at Elmina Lakeside Mall, Shah Alam on Aug 9. More info here.
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Perak introduces special module to help PWDs gain employment
TAIPING: The Perak government, through several departments and agencies, has developed a special module to help Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) receive training for suitable employment, thereby enabling them to earn an income. State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said those interested can register at his office, the Social Welfare Department (JKM), or the Perak Children's Aspiration Centre (Pasak). He said the module offers both short- and long-term courses, with each participant receiving an allowance of RM50 per day. 'Currently, there are about 5,000 unemployed persons with disabilities in Perak. I believe that through these modules, whether short-term (10 days to two weeks) or long-term (over three months), we can help them. 'This is more than just training; it is about creating opportunities for PWDs to start a new chapter in life through a career that boosts their confidence and improves their standard of living,' he said. He said this at a press conference, representing the Perak Menteri Besar, at the opening of the 2nd Malaysian Occupational Therapy Symposium organised by the Ministry of Health (MOH) here today. The event was also attended by MOH's head of Occupational Therapist Profession, Nora Hamid. Sivanesan added that the module is open to all PWDs, regardless of gender, race, or religion. In a separate matter, he said the state government does not reject the proposal to deploy a dedicated team or health personnel to monitor and improve emergency response along the East-West Highway (JRTB). Sivanesan said the proposal was appropriate and would be raised in discussions with the relevant authorities for further consideration. 'It's a proposal we believe is worth implementing. However, for now, the Transport Ministry is working to enhance safety along the JRTB route by installing additional street lights and warning signs. 'Road repair works are also underway by the Public Works Department. In the meantime, I urge all road users to exercise caution and follow all posted warning signs along the route,' he said.
New Indian Express
30-04-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Mega DSC: Qualifying marks for SC, ST and BC candidates reduced to 40 per cent in Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: The State government has announced key amendments to the Mega DSC recruitment guidelines, bringing relief to candidates from marginalised communities. As per the latest order issued by the School Education Department, the minimum qualifying marks for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Backward Classes (BCs), and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) have been reduced from 45% to 40% for both language and non-language subjects for the School Assistant (SA) and Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) categories. This change aligns with the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) criteria, and aims to ensure broader inclusivity in the recruitment process. In another significant move, the School Education Department has made uploading of certificates optional during the application process, offering candidates more flexibility. However, candidates should mandatorily possess the required qualifications, and original certificates should be produced during verification. The revised guidelines for the Mega DSC are expected to benefit thousands of aspirants across the State.
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
How Ghana is creating digital opportunities for persons with disabilities
Unemployment rates for persons with disabilities persons with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa are among the highest in the world, often exceeding 80% to 90%. Inaccessible infrastructure, societal stigma, and policy shortfalls restrict access to meaningful work. Technology offers a powerful solution, enabling remote work and opening doors to global opportunities. In Ghana the tech sector is valued at around $1 billion and continues to grow. From fintech to agritech, the potential is vast, but the participation of persons with disabilities has been notably low. This gap became clear during digital trade and e-commerce training sessions run by TechFarm Hub, where Executive Director Kobina Adomadzi Longdon and his team engaged with young entrepreneurs, including persons with disabilities. 'Technology is a game-changer,' Longdon noted, 'but many persons with disabilities feel left out because society treats these tools as if they're only for the able-bodied.' In response, TechFarm Hub partnered with the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) at the International Trade Centre (ITC) to develop training on digital inclusion and freelance skills. With support from the NTF V Ghana Tech project, the Disabilities Relief and Innovation Support Programme (DRISP) recently delivered a three-day course on practical digital and entrepreneurial skills to access the global gig economy. TechFarm Hub, a social innovation and business development centre based in Koforidua in eastern Ghana, helps startups and small businesses grow. The hub places a strong focus on digital inclusion and agribusiness. Building digital careers Twenty participants from across Ghana took part, including Grace Otoo, a fashion designer from Koforidua. 'I gained valuable skills in designing flyers, which I now use to promote my business,' she said. 'I learnt how to use WhatsApp and TikTok to expand my customer base and increase visibility.' The training programme provided practical, hands-on learning in: Setting up online businesses and navigating digital trade Cybersecurity, online fraud prevention, and mobile money security Social media marketing strategies to enhance visibility Content creation and graphic design using Canva Personal branding and profile optimisation on platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal The training was designed with accessibility in mind, with wheelchair-friendly facilities, assistive technology, and learning modules tailored to meet a range of needs. Breaking barriers to employment By equipping people with disabilities with the tools to work remotely, the programme removes barriers such as limited physical access and exclusion from the job market. 'This initiative is about empowerment through digital inclusion,' said Kobina Adomadzi Longdon. 'We are making sure they have the tools and knowledge to do so.' Participants have already begun applying their skills, setting up online profiles, securing freelance gigs, and connecting with clients. Many now feel confident about freelancing, marking a real shift from the challenges they've faced with traditional job hunting. Measuring impact 'All the training sessions were really informative, especially the Canva training where we learnt to design logos and brand flyers,' said trainee Isaac Zokliss. 'Before this, we'd only heard about branding. Now I see how important it is. The logo I created has given my business a unique identity and helps customers recognise my products instantly.' Trainee Michael Tettey agreed: 'I've learnt how to take photos of my work, create content, and post it on social media. As a barber, I now know how to market myself more effectively.' TechFarm Hub plans to expand the programme to reach more participants and offer more advanced support. This includes new courses in e-commerce, video editing, and digital advertising – skills that are increasingly relevant in today's job market. The organizers also aim to secure funding for essential tools like laptops and tablets to improve access to digital work. Another priority is to strengthen post-training support, including mentorship. 'As Ghana's digital economy grows, programmes like this are key to making sure persons with disabilities can access real opportunities for work and independence,' said Longdon. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
