Clarendon College can now provide more access to students with special needs following the construction of two wheelchair ramps made possible by the Digicel Foundation.

The school, which is the oldest in the parish, officially unveiled the ramps last Monday. Speaking at the ceremony, the school's principal, David Wilson, explained that the development is part of the institution's aim to be fully accessible.

He said: "These ramps are very important to our facility. We have one student who currently uses a wheelchair and she will now have access to areas like the tuck shop, the library and the science labs. We also want to ensure that any visitors or future students and employees to the school can safely access the various areas."

Improved infrastructure

The principal praised the initiative of the foundation in their commitment to providing improved infrastructure for special-needs children. "We really appreciate it, they are a good corporate citizen who came on board and we have benefited from their philanthropy."

Special-needs programme manager at the foundation, Judine Hunter, said they came on board following the Nationwide 90FM 'School Life School Tour' with media personality Miss Kitty who highlighted the need.

She said: "At Digicel Foundation we believe in a barrier-free environment. This is one of many Digicel Foundation projects aimed at the developing the special-needs sector through infrastructure building and raising awareness towards issues in a bid to reinforce best practices in the special-needs community."