Special needs school helps pupil to blossom

Tiffany’s mother, Dawn Pereira said their journey began in 1995 when they discovered that the child they were expecting had Down Syndrome. “The emotions we experienced at the time were hard to describe,” she said. “The fear of the unknown, grief and disbelief were some of the deep-seated feelings we had to come to terms with over the remaining five months of pregnancy.”

Pereira explained that Tiffany was born without any heart problems but there were developmental challenges and numerous upper respiratory infections. Yet despite these challenges Tiffany’s family made every effort to treat her as a regular child.

“There have been times when we have been aware of people glancing at Tiffany but we were determined right from the outset that we would not get offended and would use every opportunity to educate people and correct some of the misconceptions they may have had regarding Down Syndrome,” Pereira said.

Tiffany’s schooling began at a play group and progressed to nursery school but it soon became apparent that while she enjoyed the social interaction, she battled with the academic expectations placed upon her. “We were faced with the huge decision of continuing with inclusive education or trying to find a school where her abilities would be celebrated,” Pereira said.

The Pereira family heard about a new school which had just opened in Fourways called Unity College. Pereira said that at the time the school resembled an old farmhouse and the buildings desperately needed a coat of paint.

“My first impression of Unity was not exactly positive but I observed two things that made an indelible impression on me, the children were happy and Tiffany did not want to leave,” she said.

Pereira explained that Unity College enabled Tiffany’s days to be no different to that of her siblings and as a result her family saw her blossom.

“Tiffany knows she has Down Syndrome and that some of her friends do as well but it has never been as issue,” she said.

Pereira added, “Unity College certainly played a huge part in our lives, enabling us to operate as a ‘normal’ family in spite of having a special needs child.”