CCS Disability Action Welcomes New Education Group

CCS Disability Action welcomes new inclusive education group

CCS Disability Action is excited by, and supportive of, the newly established Inclusive Education Action Group (IEAG). CCS Disability Action CEO, Viv Maidaborn, applauds the move, "Right now in New Zealand there is a gap between government policy, and the actuality of the education that disabled children receive. Congratulations to the IEAG on a courageous initiative."

The IEAG's principal objective is to create a schooling environment in New Zealand that is welcoming to all students, no matter what their background. CCS Disability Action is thrilled that a new and dynamic voice has established itself to raise awareness about educational issues faced by members of the disability community. CCS Disability Action agrees with the IEAG: currently there are major gaps between policy and legislation for inclusive education, and how the policy is applied in New Zealand schools.

"I believe the IEAG is standing up at exactly the right time to make sure New Zealand moves forward on inclusive education, rather than continue the current silent backslide. Difficult issues are becoming the sole responsibility of families, and they shouldn't have to manage alone," says Viv Maidaborn.

A major problem within the schooling system is the inconsistency of support and information on offer for teachers. A study commissioned by CCS Disability Action and Christchurch College of Education, found that training for teachers in the area of inclusion was limited, and was a key area needing development.

Overwhelmingly, evidence suggests disabled learners have greater educational and social outcomes, and ultimately a better quality of life, if they mix and learn alongside their non-disabled peers. Their non-disabled peers are also better off for the experience.

Over the last five to seven years, enrolments at special schools have increased, despite the government's stated intention to make "mainstream" schools more inclusive. CCS Disability Action support workers, particularly in the last year, have noticed that increasing amounts of their workload is advocating for, and supporting families to be included in education.

Green MP, Metiria Turei, recently spoke about the exclusion some Maori students experience within the schooling system, and commented that Maori disability groups have an especially good understanding of what's needed for total inclusion. Ruth Jones, CCS Disability Action National Manager Maori Policy and Strategy, agrees and believes the way forward can only be through better resourcing.

"CCS Disability Action looks forward to increased teacher education about how to include disabled children. This will happen when teachers are taught to teach children who bring diversity to their school. Let's celebrate the difference and allow our children to teach us too."

ENDS

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