Tobago is seeking to foster greater inclusion for the differently abled in the development of society.

This is one of the reasons behind the recently concluded Sign Language Creative Camp 2018, which hosted its closing ceremony last month. The camp was facilitated by the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), which partnered with the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy on the initiative.

The camp is part of the Division’s efforts to ensure more of Tobago’s residents become proficient in sign language.

COSTAATT’s Dean of the Tobago Campus, Dr. Joan Bobb-Ward, said the school sees this as an important step for education on the island.

“We support the Tobago House of Assembly’s decision to set up a broad-based multidisciplinary stakeholder committee,” Dr. Bobb-Ward said. [The Committee will] prepare a proposition paper with an emphasis on inclusion of persons who are differently-abled in the work place in Tobago, and [there’s also a] resolution to formulate a framework for the establishment of a register of persons with disabilities in Tobago,” said.

Eighteen children graduated from the sign language camp. And in October, 15 adults who are currently pursuing sign language at the Tobago Campus will graduate with COSTAATT certificates.