Naomi Jordan Calls for Education System Changes to Support Students with Disabilities

Secondary school student Naomi Jordan wants to see changes in the education system to better accommodate pupils with disabilities.

The Lower Sixth student at Harrison College who lives with dyslexia, expressed her desire at the inaugural Bright for Sight Day which she organised at her school. It featured interactive games and specialised equipment used by visually impaired persons, while raising funds for the Irving Wilson School.

“Really and truly, it’s just to build awareness for all those in the disabled community in Barbados because as someone with dyslexia, I know what it’s like to be in the public school system currently, and how it has not shaped or been reformed to help me or others with the same disability,” Jordan told Barbados TODAY.

The initiative emerged after Jordan visited the Irving Wilson School, where teachers highlighted their need for specialised equipment to support students with disabilities. This visit inspired her Let Me Read project, which culminated in Bright for Sight Day.

Students participated by wearing bright clothing and purchasing wristbands, with proceeds going to the Irving Wilson School. The entry fee was $2, whilst wristbands were sold for $5.

The advocate for people with disabilities emphasised that, given the current gaps in the school system’s support for students with physical or mental challenges, she hopes to make this event an annual opportunity for students with disabilities and their peers to come together and enjoy inclusive games.

“I really would like for this to continue, as in every year we would celebrate this exact same day, everyone would dress up in their bright colours, [as] it would keep funds going towards the Irving Wilson School,” Jordan said. “Hopefully by doing this, we are creating empathy in the students towards those who have disabilities, as well as creating awareness around the fact that this is the reality for others; even though it may not be the reality for you, you still need to be able to support and realise that some people need more help than you do.”

The young advocate acknowledged the support received from the National Disabilities Unit and the Irving Wilson School: “I think that they really have really helped me where it comes to getting this launched and getting this started and then helping me to understand what those of the disabled community currently need.” (SB)