New legislation planned for the disabled

New laws that will safeguard the education of people with disabilities have been cautiously welcomed by parents of disabled children.

The Government announced last night that it is to enshrine in law the right of all disabled people to an education based on need as opposed to age.

The decision marks an about turn for the Government, which until now said it had no plans to change the law regarding education rights for people with such special needs.

Iniatives in the new Disabilities Training and Educational Bill include the appointment of 70 new psychologists to work with autistic children and the establishment of a special needs forum to be convened in September.

Catherine Sinnott, the mother of autistic boy Jamie Sinnott, welcomed the move, but warned she will only believe it if the Minister moves swiftly.