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.

It appears the minister and his department regard students with disabilities as second-class citizens.

We call on the minister to amend this bill so that the right to the supports and services by students with disabilities does not depend on the generosity of the Minister of Finance and that these students will receive the required supports and services in the school of their parents' choice.

Margaret Carroll,

Chairperson, ACT 2003,

2, Walworth Tce,

Portobello,

Dublin 8.

[e-mail].