Letter of the Day | Children with disabilities need support and care

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing in response to the article published The Gleaner on Thursday, March 3, titled ‘19 years old and never gone to school’, which pained my heart.

It is sad to learn of the plight of this young woman because of a disability. In this day and age of technological advancement, it is unfortunate that this has happened.

I had talipes (club foot), among other issues. My parents were poor, with little education, had other children back then, and were on the brink of the ‘60s. They sought medical attention for me and followed up on my treatment and recommendations from the late Professor Sir John Golding.

My parents made sure I went to the schools located at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre (formerly the Mona Rehabilitation Centre), where I gained basic and primary education.

The information I could gather from the story is that 19 year old Jellisa Williams is not intellectually challenged and, as such, could have gone to school, even while getting medical treatment.

Parents, I implore you to be more vigilant in the care and development of your disabled child. They should be treated equally like the other children.

Though late, I am encouraging Jellisa’s mother and siblings to give her the support she needs to realise her dream of becoming a telephone technician. They should also follow up on the recommendations by the Reverend Arthur Taylor, chairman of the Combined Disabilities Association, so that she can get educated, be gainfully employed, and be fully integrated in the society.

LESMA COOTE