New CD Guide on Learning Barriers

The Special Schools component of the WCED's Curriculum Development Directorate has produced the guide on compact disc to complement the work of the department's specialists in the field.

While providing a valuable reference source, the CD is also designed to stimulate professional discussion among teachers, especially those in mainstream schools who do not have specific training in identifying and dealing with specific learning challenges.

The material covers eight typical barriers. They are Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); cerebral palsy; epilepsy; visual impairment; giftedness; learning disabilities (LD); mild intellectual disability; and hearing impairment.

The CD contains policy documents as well as useful web links. Users can explore themes by following links through specific topics on the CD, or can use a search facility to find information using key words.

The CD is intended for education purposes only, and should not be used to substitute medical advice, make a diagnosis or plan medical treatment.

However, it may well alert teachers to instances needing professional help from the WCED's Specialised Education Support Services directorate or from other medical professionals.

Each theme provides background information, including medical information, and information on possible causes and prevention strategies, if any.

The guide provides teaching tips and strategies, which can be adapted for individual learners, and reminds teachers to work with Teacher and District Support teams in the school and district office when drawing up programmes for learners with special needs.

The CD provides lists of useful resources, including web sites, films, multimedia packs and reference books. Each section also lists references to make it easier to find further reading material on a specific topic.

Said Jenny Rault-Smith, Director of Curriculum Development in the WCED: "The guide reminds teachers that neurological, physical and health impairments, as well as some disorders, are not handicapping conditions.

"The CD provides a very basic knowledge of major disabilities and disorders likely to be experienced by learners in a class, and the kind of support that teachers can provide to assist these learners.

"It also provides guidance on how to discuss the additional support some learners may need with the learners' classmates."

Said Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore: "Our mission is to ensure that all our learners acquire the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes they need to realise their full potential and participate meaningfully in society. This CD will assist us in our mission to provide a learning home for all, especially those who are experiencing barriers to learning."

For enquiries, contact Jenny Rault-Smith 082 448 1801, or Gert Witbooi: 082 550 3938.

Gert Witbooi
Media Secretary
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Fax: 021 425 5689
Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za