BAVINA SOOKDEO
As the back-to-school season approaches, families across the nation gear up for the annual ritual of buying uniforms, textbooks, and school supplies.
However, for families with special-needs children, the cost of education takes on an entirely different dimension.
Saira Joseph La Foucade, the mother of two, sheds light on the immense financial burden faced by families of children with special needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
La Foucade's insights into the exorbitant expenses associated with specialised education and support offer a poignant perspective on these challenges that often go unnoticed.
Her journey has been one of determination and advocacy, driven by her personal experience as mother to a 15-year-old son, Matheaus, diagnosed with severe autism, and a 13-year-old daughter, Laila, who attends Holy Faith Convent, Couva.
Recognising the dire need for comprehensive care and education for individuals with disabilities, La Foucade founded the NGO Bethesda, for people with disabilities.
The organisation’s mission is to establish a group home offering temporary respite and full-time care for adults with disabilities, addressing a pressing concern expressed by families: "What will happen to my child when I die?"
With a commitment to this cause, Bethesda was granted ten acres of land by the RC church, demonstrating the recognition of this vital work.
In sharing her personal journey and insights, La Foucade highlights the intricate challenges faced by families of children with disabilities.
“The exorbitant costs of education, specialised tools, and transportation place an immense strain on these families, limiting opportunities for growth and development,” she said. “Government intervention is essential to create an inclusive and supportive environment that ensures every child has access to quality education and care, regardless of their abilities.”
La Foucade says the challenges start early in the education journey for children with disabilities. To enrol in a qualified special-education school, a psycho-educational assessment is a prerequisite, outlining the child’s official diagnosis. This assessment, by a clinical psychologist, comes with a price tag ranging from $5,000-$15,000, depending on the extent of evaluation. Given the long waiting lists in the public sector for diagnosis and appointments, many families have to turn to private assessments, adding to their financial burden.
She pointed out that for children with mild to moderate autism, specialised schools can be more easily found across Trinidad, with location and specific needs being key factors.
However, for children with severe to profound disabilities, the options dwindle significantly. Even special-education schools often focus on academic achievement, leaving these children with very limited choices.
La Foucade emphasises the scarcity of schools that prioritise life skills over academics, underscoring that only a handful exist across the country.
She highlights the Aspirare Learning Co
