School Trustee elections - chance for inclusion

Media Release from IHC New Zealand Incorporated

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1 March 2007

School Trustee elections - chance for more inclusion

IHC New Zealand Inc is calling for parents and communities to support inclusive education as nominations for School Board of Trustees open today.

"We are urging parents and communities to use the Board of Trustee elections as an opportunity to question nominees about how they would support, maintain and defend the right of disabled children and young people to participate equally and successfully in schools." says IHC Director of Advocacy Trish Grant.

"Evidence shows that when children and young people learn together it brings benefits for everyone, and friendships, respect and understanding can be built."

Despite this evidence, concerns are constantly being raised with IHC about the difficulties that many disabled children and their families face in being included in their local schools.

"The attitude of the Board of Trustees is crucial to how well schools affirm diversity and provide opportunities for all children to demonstrate their capabilities."

The willingness of Board members to further educate themselves about human rights legislation and have a working knowledge of educational policies and practices that relate to inclusion is critical to successful outcomes for disabled students and fosters acceptance of diversity not only in the school but in the broader community.

IHC has led the formation of a "Lobby for Inclusion" to continue to fight for the right to inclusive education in New Zealand and hope that ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 30 March will be another step towards making these rights a reality in New Zealand schools.

ENDS

© Scoop Media