Mr Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member and Chairman of the Stormont Employment and Learning Committee, has called on families to come forward and give evidence to his committee’s Inquiry into special needs provision in education, employment and training for those with Learning Disabilities.
Mr Swann, who is also the Ulster Unionist Party`s Chief Whip, made his appeal after he accompanied the Assembly Committee for Employment and Learning to Parkanaur College in Dungannon where it held its weekly meeting.
Mr Swann said:
“We were delighted to visit Parkanaur College to see for ourselves the range of facilities, learning initiatives and advice available to students with learning disabilities.
“The transition period into training, further education or employment can be a difficult one for most young people; for those with learning disabilities, it can be a particularly challenging experience.
“In order to shape and inform our Inquiry, it is crucial that we take every opportunity to meet directly with young people with learning disabilities.
“It is only by talking to them and hearing more about their personal experiences that we can get a better understanding of their individual needs and how we can better support them to participate and succeed in their future endeavours.
“In this respect, I appeal to the whole community, especially those who have family members with special needs, to come forward and give evidence to the Inquiry.”