17% of students at special schools have hearing disability - Akbar

17% of the 1,237 students enrolled at the 17 special schools across the country have a hearing disability.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Education Rosy Akbar when she joined the Western Deaf Community at the Nadi Centre for Special Education to commemorate International Week of the Deaf.

With a $1 million Government grant to special schools for building works, transport assistance, recreational equipment and welfare specialized support, Akbar has reassured the deaf community of the Government’s support for greater societal inclusivity.

She says the Ministry of Education currently employs 13 sign language interpreters in special schools across the country.

Akbar says the Ministry continues to provide professional development to special education teachers as well as untrained teachers and the Ministry’s integration program in schools and tertiary institutions ensures mainstreaming of special and inclusive students.