All Schools Must Include Disabled Kids-Action Plan

All Schools Must Include Disabled Kids-Action Plan a Plus

A government plan of action for special education, Success for All that charts a path for all disabled students to receive education in the same settings as other kids is very welcome indeed says DPA, the national pan-disability organisation and collective voice of disabled people.

CEO Ross Brereton says it’s a turning point. “Half of our schools are welcoming to disabled students, we know that from the last ERO report. But today this review’s findings mean it’s time to lift the bar so that all schools welcome disabled kids.

We expect this will mean an end to the present lottery where some disabled students aren’t allowed to go to their local schools, while other disabled kids get a terrific experience from the school nearby. This is such an un-useful approach.

Ross Brereton says there are other good ideas in the action plan. Training teachers, boards and principals in disability competence is, good, a better coordination always helps and 1000 more disabled kids 5-8 will get support and services to start them well. It all means that New Zealand will be much closer to Article 24 in the CRPD* calling for inclusive education.

*The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. New Zealand is a signatory.

ENDS

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