Disabilities education bill is regressive

ACT 2003 (All Children Together) is a new lobby group consisting of parents of children and adults with disabilities. We have come together following the publication of the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill, launched by Education Minister Noel Dempsey in July.

This bill is regressive and will worsen the situation of many students with an educational disability. It fails to guarantee, as an automatic and enforceable right, the resources and supports necessary to enable children with disabilities to participate in and benefit from education.

This bill, if implemented in its present form, will pave the way for further segregation of students with disabilities in the education system. This bill does not establish equity in education services between children who have educational disabilities and those who do not.