19 persons with special needs and disabilities have been certified following the completion of various activities as part of the Award Scheme Development & Accreditation Network (ASDAN). Photo: JTV/Facebook

Head of the Disabilities Unit in the Social Development Department, Ms Lorna Dawson explained, said the goal was to engage persons with disabilities and challenges through relevant and motivating courses. Photo: Internet Source

According to the Government Information Service, the award ceremony took place on December 3, 2021, during Christmas in the City on a day that is also recognised as the International Day for Persons with Disabilities; an observance as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

The Head of the Disabilities Unit in the Social Development Department, Ms Lorna Dawson explained, “The goal is to engage persons with disabilities and challenges through relevant and motivating courses to achieve meaningful learning outcomes, which elevate them to go on to further education, training and work, and empower them to take control of their lives.

Mostly youths targeted 

She continued, "This is done by developing courses with an accessible and practical pedagogy for learners; and by supporting partner educators to foster the personal, social and work-related abilities of young people in greatest need.”

ASDAN is an education charity and award organization that provides regulated qualifications, accredited curriculum programmes and a range of other courses to help young people develop knowledge and skills for learning, work and life.

Ms Dawson explained that the Eslyn Henley Learning Centre and BVI Services already utilise some of the programmes and that the clients at BVI Services have participated in the Towards Independence Programme which provides an opportunity for them to be certified in the various activities that they participate in while at the day programme.

The ASDAN believes that young people should have the opportunity to discover, develop and make use of their abilities to affirm their identities, contribute to society, and challenge educational and social inequalities. ASDAN has a successful history of working alongside mainstream and special schools, colleges, pupil referral units, local authorities and a variety of voluntary and community organisations across the UK and the rest of the world.