The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has produced a CD to assist teachers to support learners who are experiencing various barriers to learning.

The Special Schools component of the WCED’s Curriculum Development Directorate has produced the 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.

Teaching tips and strategies, which can be adapted for individual learners, are provided and remind 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.

Teachers are reminded 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.

Our mission is to ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes they need to realise their potential and participate meaningfully in society. This CD will help us to ensure that we provide learning homes for all, especially those who are experiencing barriers to learning.

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi on 082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.