Seven Special Education Teachers in the Virgin Islands have completed the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commonwealth of Learning Assistive Technology course.

Education Officer with responsibility for Special Educational Needs Mrs. Afiya Smith said the six-week training course was aimed at identifying and utilising low cost and low-tech devices to support the learning of students with special needs also known as the Introduction to Assistive Technology (AT).

 Mrs. Smith said, “The six weeks of training introduced the educators to free accessible assistive technology skills needed to support persons with disabilities and enable them to use technology for learning and work.”

The training was facilitated through the OECS Programme for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning (OECS PEARL) with funding from the Commonwealth of Learning.

The seven successful educators include Mrs. Afiya Smith, Dr Carlyn Benjamin-Raymore, Ms. Tamika George, Mrs. Rickollette Johnson, Mrs. Levia Freeman-Malone, Ms. Jan Christopher, and Ms. Magdalene Alister.  Mrs. Gillian Niles-John and Ms. Indy Stephens De Leon from Disability Services also successfully completed the course. 

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to foster an inclusive environment for all students to strive and thrive. The success of this training is a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to strengthen its human capital through professional development opportunities, increase access and provide equity for all students.