A recommendation has been made for the establishment of parent/student support groups at schools for children with disabilities and their caregivers.

This was highlighted by a report on a recent survey conducted on emergency response for students with disabilities, done in collaboration with the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

The research looked at, among other things, the impact of emergency situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as Hurricane Melissa, on the education of children with disabilities.

The findings of the study were outlined today by Dr. Shakeisha Wilson-Scott of the University of the West Indies’ Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work.

Dr. Wilson-Scott noted that the adjustment to virtual learning was difficult for disabled children, but more so for the parents/caregivers, as the home environment lacked the usual support the children would get at special education institutions.

She said support groups for parents/caregivers should include training and sensitisation.