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YK Puddle
National Committee (NC) members recommended on 25 June that professional training opportunities be provided for teachers of children with special educational needs (SEN) and support for carers.
This was one of the discussions in the Review Report on the Situation of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) submitted by the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC).
The House of Representatives will adopt the report, including final recommendations, on July 2.
The committee also made 35 recommendations in eight areas, including strengthening policy implementation, improving education and healthcare opportunities, raising public awareness, and ensuring nationwide accessibility.
The House Chairperson has tasked SCAC to revisit some of the recommendations with the concerned members before final discussion.
Several members of the House have proposed providing decision-making power and higher pay to special education teachers and caregivers.
Dagana MP Birendra Chimolia said people with disabilities and their caregivers face economic challenges and need a comprehensive assistance package. He suggested that abolishing or reducing personal income tax for people with disabilities would be a financial benefit to them.
“The government should support discussions on providing certificates for people with disabilities as this will enhance their access to education, health care and other support,” he said. “Regular teachers cannot become special education teachers; it would be crucial if the Ministry of Education provided a one-year professional training specifically for special education.”
He said hiring professionals from abroad to meet this demand would not be beneficial in the long run. “Instead, the government should focus on developing the domestic workforce.”
Zhemgang MP Tshering Tshomo stressed the different roles of regular and special education teachers and advocated raising the salaries of special education teachers, and if salaries cannot be raised, special education allowances should be provided. “In addition, giving special education teachers and caregivers decision-making power and autonomy can greatly promote the development of special education in schools.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Dago Chelingela stressed that some people with disabilities are engaged in small businesses and meet their tax obligations based on their income. “In recent years, even ordinary people have faced difficulties in paying taxes. Reducing or exempting taxes for people with disabilities will improve their quality of life,” he suggested.
In addition, some members suggested that the Ministry of Infrastructure require that all infrastructure projects be disability-friendly.
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