Education dept promises to address special needs learners’ needs
“We have discussed autism in basic education for some time and are aware of the challenges parents encounter daily.”
The Department of Basic Education promised it would meet with a group of parents and special needs caregivers who protested to highlight issues surrounding learners with autism in Pretoria last week Friday.
The memorandum identified the basic services required by autistic individuals and their families. It highlighted how the government to bring impactful change to these learners.
It was drawn up by parents belonging to Autism Matters, a non-profit organisation that advocates for parents and autistic individuals.
Autism Matters member Millicent Maluleka said they, among others, demanded autism practical courses at universities as well as specialists and teachers at schools for autistic learners to receive quality education and health.
The government also needed to increase the number of mainstream autistic-serving schools.
She said most children in Africa had a parent or two that were held back by their careers because taking care of a special child required more effort, time and money.
“The appropriate departments must help autistic individuals achieve their full potential by providing them with equal opportunities and support that they deserve.”
She said the department had to revise its policies and consider implementing education and training opportunities within schools and universities.
“Also provide more awareness campaigns within schools, clinics and communities about autism to help get rid of stereotypes and stigmatisation.”
Maluleka said access to adequate and timely healthcare needed to be looked into, especially occupational therapy and speech therapy.
“Not all practitioners are trained extensively in autism.”
She said providing autism practical courses at universities to help train medical students would probably better occupational and speech therapy.
She said further residential facilities providing care were needed.
“Adults need residential facilities. Most of the government-funded facilities have a long waiting list and the majority of our service users cannot afford to take the private route as there are extensive costs involved.”
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“We have discussed autism in basic education for some time and are aware of the challenges parents encounter daily,” said Elijah Mlhanga,
a spokesperson for the minister and office of the Director-General.
“This march is significant as the department is taking responsibility for each childhood development of all children in the country.”
Mhlanga said he was happy that the marchers wanted government departments to get involved in autism and creating an integrated schooling program.
He agreed that special schools were not enough and that the department needed to address this matter.
“We are building them; however, not at a great pace that should address all challenges.”
There are about 450 special needs schools in the country.
Mhlanga said special needs learners also needed tools and technology for an adequate education.
He said the department would also look into supporting the special needs sector with more teachers.
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