Director of Special Education represents Turks & Caicos at the Inaugural Caribbean Disability Conference in Grenada  

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 22^nd October 2024 – The inaugural Caribbean Disability Conference took place in Grenada on October 10^th – 13^th, bringing together leaders, advocates, and educators from across the region to address critical issues surrounding inclusion and support for persons with disabilities. Among the distinguished attendees was Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of Special Education Needs for Turks and Caicos, who had the opportunity to share key insights and initiatives currently being implemented in Turks & Caicos.

The conference served as a collaborative platform for discussing regional challenges, best practices, and policies aimed at advancing the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. With participants from countries such as the Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, Trinidad and the Cayman Islands, the event offered a wealth of shared experiences and learning opportunities.

“I am grateful for the chance to represent Turks and Caicos at this important conference,” said Dr. Any Malcolm-Gibbs. “It was an invaluable opportunity to highlight the work we are doing in special education, especially in the areas of inclusive teaching strategies, autism support, and advocacy for students with learning differences. In return, I was able to learn from the approaches being used by other countries, many of which have valuable lessons for us as we continue to enhance our programs.”

Mrs. Cherylann Jones, Permanent Secretary for Education, emphasized, “human capital development remains a crucial focus for our Ministry. This pillar supports our efforts to build capacity and improve service delivery. Participation in this conference will enable the Ministry to achieve our human development objectives, and we eagerly anticipate the knowledge transfer that will occur among Dr. Malcolm-Gibbs and her team.”

The conference features key discussions on topics such as education, advocacy, disability laws, and overcoming barriers to inclusion. These sessions focused on fostering collaborative approaches to address challenges faced by persons with disabilities and promote greater inclusion within the Caribbean. Remarking on the conference, Minister for Education, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, stated, “The Caribbean Disability Conference in Grenada has been a significant milestone in advancing inclusivity across the region. I am proud that our country was represented in these crucial discussions, which will shape the future of support for persons with disabilities in the Caribbean. This conference not only highlights the importance of collaboration but also strengthens our collective commitment to creating inclusive societies. I look forward to seeing how the insights gained will inform and enhance our work back home.”

For more information on the Department of Special Education Needs Services, you can contact sens@gov.tc.