2027 School Curriculum Encourages Mainstream Students to Master Sign Language

2027 School Curriculum Encourages Mainstream Students to Master Sign Language

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) — The implementation of the 2027 School Curriculum (KP 2027) is expected to open wider space for mainstream students to learn Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) as an additional language, thereby strengthening inclusive practices and increasing school children’s awareness of people with disabilities (OKU).

Deputy Minister of Education Wong Kah Woh said this initiative complements the efforts of the Ministry of Education and Culture (KPM) since 2011 in providing Communication Sign Language (BIK) and Basic Education for the Blind (PAIKUP) subjects in elementary schools through the Standard Extraordinary School Curriculum (KSSRPK).

He said that the implementation of subjects through the Integrated Special Education Program (PPKI) allows disabled students and general students to learn together more inclusively, both inside and outside the classroom.

“Mainstream student participation can increase understanding and tolerance towards people with disabilities,” he said during an oral question and answer session at the National Assembly today.

Wong said, KP 2027 not only opens up opportunities for mainstream students in schools that have PPKI classes to study BIM, but also strengthens an inclusive school culture that encourages social integration from an early age.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) continues to expand initiatives to help children with disabilities from poor families, including aspects of welfare and education until they reach adulthood.

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the government’s efforts were focused on five main focuses, namely welfare assistance and financial support, inclusive education and special education, rehabilitation and early intervention, skills training and employability, as well as policy and legal protection.

“We want to ensure that every child with disabilities who comes from a poor family is not marginalized from opportunities for growth and development and education from childhood to adulthood,” he said.

From the welfare side, said Nancy, KPWKM distributes assistance schemes such as Child Assistance (BKK), Federal General Assistance, Foster Child Assistance, and Artificial Assistance.

For people with disabilities who are unable to work, Assistance for Persons with Disabilities who are Unable to Work is also provided every month to support their lives as adults.

He said that the government also emphasizes inclusive education through implementing PPKI and providing grants to TASKA OKU for early intervention programs, which enable students with disabilities to learn with students in general and build social skills from an early age.

In terms of rehabilitation, said Nancy, early intervention is also carried out through the Community Rehabilitation Organization (PDK) which provides basic skills training and socialization to trainees, in addition to providing an allowance of RM300 per month.

According to him, OKU card holders also enjoy various facilities including education, exemption from medical costs and transportation facilities.

For the young generation with disabilities, vocational training at the Bangi Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Center (PLPP) helps them obtain certificates and practical skills, while the Disabled Workers’ Allowance is provided as an incentive so they can be independent.

“All of these initiatives are guided by the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to education, employment opportunities, welfare protection and participation in society.

“Through early intervention and an inclusive social safety net, we provide a bridge for children with disabilities to enter adulthood with more confidence,” he said.