Talking turkey for a good cause

DUSTIN the Turkey was wisecracking away for a good cause yesterday.

“Go on, you good thing,” he urged when he kicked off a campaign to ensure that young people with disabilities don’t feel left out at school.

The oftentimes rude bird was also joined by Francis Boylan, presenter of RTÉ's The Den. Both Dustin and Francis want schoolchildren to do their bit to make a difference to the lives of people with disabilities in this the European Year of People With Disabilities.

Next week the focus will shift to primary and post-primary schools to show how they are making a positive difference to the lives of pupils with a disability.

A booklet has also been produced to help schools achieve targets for the inclusion of pupils with disabilities.

Equality legislation already exists to protect the rights of people with disabilities and other groups from discrimination.

In schools reasonable accommodation must be provided for pupils and staff with disabilities. More legislative changes are on the way to facilitate greater integration and ensure that all children are helped to reach their full potential.