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IHC New Zealand - Are we there yet?

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The bumpy road to inclusive education

It has been 30 years now since children with disabilities gained the legal right to attend their local school, but their journey to be included on the same basis as their non-disabled peers in the classroom is still ongoing.

The Government is reviewing Tomorrow’s Schools – the name given to the reforms that dramatically changed the governance, management and administration of schools in 1989.

The Independent Taskforce appointed to review it has found that students with learning support requirements do not have the same access to education as other students.

We know from evidence that many students with disabilities, along with their families and schools, have struggled for far too long. We know that children are being turned away at school doors, told they can’t complete a full day, or don’t get what they need to access the curriculum.

To find out more information, read the Op Ed written by IHC Director of Advocacy Trish Grant – published on The Spinoff and Noted.

IHC’s submission

We want to thank all of you who shared their stories and opinions about what is being done well, and what should change within the education system.

IHC has now made its submission to provide feedback on the key issues and recommendations. We have included all of your stories in full.

Click here to view the submission.

What next?

The Independent Taskforce is now considering all feedback carefully and will provide a final report to the Minister of Education by 28 June 2019.

We will keep you updated along the way with any progress made.

Max and Antonia: Belonging

"We need more than integration, we need real inclusion." Max started his educational career at a special school, but wanted to go to mainstream. The family found a non-zoned primary near their Auckland home that offered them the belonging Max craved, says his mum, Antonia. “Max requires … [Read More...] about Max and Antonia: Belonging

Shane McInroe

“Connection and friendship gives people the confidence to succeed” Shane McInroe, 26, tells us about how a change in school gave him the confidence as an adult to promote disability rights “My high school experience was split between Christchurch and Greymouth, for family reasons. I went … [Read More...] about Shane McInroe

Steven Arnold

“We don’t have students who are ‘different’, as all students are different and unique. Learning needs become part of responding to a person rather than a label, or a syndrome.” Steven Arnold, principal of the Peace Experiment school in Auckland, talks about how their ethos of individuality … [Read More...] about Steven Arnold

Ed Watkins

"If you give people a chance, you will see great beauty." Ed Watkins found his people working at Memphis Belle Coffee shop. His friend Johnny tells us the story. “One day, about four years ago Eddie was walking past Memphis Belle coffee house in Wellington when he saw barista Johnny … [Read More...] about Ed Watkins

Mark Potter: Funding

"Funding learning support is a matter of priorities." Berhampore School in Wellington has prioritised learning support in a way that demonstrates how a well-funded system could support all children to success, says principal Mark Potter. “The current system is financially deficient. For … [Read More...] about Mark Potter: Funding