Mediacom-Release-IHC Special Education Review Reflects Parents' Views

IHC supports the recommendations in the special education review which was released on Tuesday.

"Cathy Wylie has come up with a comprehensive package of recommendations to support students with special education needs," IHC Advocate Sue O'Shea said today.

IHC consulted with over 80 parents before making a substantial submission to the review. Ms O'Shea said she was pleased to see the parents concerns reflected in the report.

"Parents told us that many schools continue to be unwilling to cater for children with special needs. They talked of inadequate training, shortened school hours, lack of information and negative attitudes.

"Dr Wylie has listened and has made some very practical recommendations, including the need for a mandatory special education component in pre-service training, delegated special education coordinators in schools, the need for user friendly information and support for inclusion."

"Many of the gaps in the current system will be filled by the establishment of local resource centres which are able to work closely with schools, families and other agencies to improve the chances of these students.

"There are substantial improvements to the Ongoing and Transitional Resourcing Scheme (OTRS) suggested in the review. We would not support the views of those who have said it doesn't go far enough."

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