Survey reflects less inclusive attitudes

ONE in every four parents would object if a child with mental health issues was in a class with their own kids, a damning survey has found.

National Disability Authority findings show attitudes towards physical and intellectual differences in Ireland have hardened since the recession began — with children bearing the brunt of the changes.

According to the study, launched by Disability Minister Kathleen Lynch yesterday, there has been a rise in the number who would have concerns if a child with mental health issues was in their children’s class, from 21% in 2006 to 24% today.

The survey of 1,039 people also found that:

* Two-in-five respondents do not believe children with physical disabilities should be allowed in mainstream education.

* One-in-five would object if a child with an intellectual disability or a form of autism was in their kid’s class, up significantly from just 8% in 2006.

* Almost half of those surveyed feel adults with mental health issues have the same right to a sexual relationship as other people.

* Just under half believe that children with sensory impairments such as blindness should be taught in mainstream schools.

* Almost two-thirds do not agree that adults with an intellectual disability or a form of autism should have children if they wish.

The survey also notes that one-in-three people with disabilities in Ireland face difficulties in socialising and gaining employment.

While 25% of people with a disability said many of the problems they experienced resulted from negative attitudes from other people, just 3% of those without disabilities recognised this issue.

Inclusion Ireland said the findings shows Government must ensure blatant inequalities are addressed.

“We need to look at whether we’re moving forward as a society or regressing further back to the days where children with an intellectual disability didn’t attend their local schools and mix with other children, and adults were pushed into institutions at the edges of communities,” insisted the group’s chief executive, Deirdre Carroll.

“Since the last National Disability Authority survey in 2006, the number of people who say they know someone with a disability has fallen from 71% to 64%.

“The survey should be a wake-up call that cutbacks are affecting people participating in their communities and creating a less inclusive society,” she said.

She added that over 4,000 with an intellectual disability still live in institutions, and “we still operate under a law that calls some people with disabilities ‘lunatics’.”

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