Eighteen-year-old Ricky Barry of the Castle Bruce Secondary School (CBSS) became the first deaf and dumb Dominican to attempt and pass the CSEC examinations. Barry is a native of Mahaut River in the Kalinago Territory and excelled in five of the six subjects he sat for. He had the assistance of Abraham Fontaine, a teacher and language interpreter.
Describing Barry as an intelligent and dedicated teenager, Fontaine revealed his main work at the CBSS was to teach and prepare the hearing-and-speech-impaired Barry for academic success. He disclosed that Barry was not taught differently from the others, but participated in normal classroom work like all the other students. He said classmates treated Barry with respects and the latter worked hard to excel like any normal student would.
To underscore his willingness to excel, Barry mixed well with the other students and grew fond of his studies. The early intervention program also helped him get started in time for the success ahead. Fontaine said the Ministry of Education also helped provide assistance for Barry by giving other language specialists the opportunity to work with him.
Fluent in American Sign Language, Barry passed very well in the following subjects:
- Agricultural Science
- Electronic Documentation Preparation and Management
- Integrated Science
- Mathematics, and
- Physical Education
Fontaine encouraged people with various disabilities and impairments to actively pursue educational advancements, while also urging teachers to do their best to enable physically-challenged persons realize their educational dreams.
“Give yourself a chance,” he urged people with impairments. “People with special needs…I feel that if the system, or if there is a way for you to develop yourself professionally, I think that you should take advantage of it.”
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767
