Special needs children and disabled adults still getting a raw deal from education
Mon, 13/08/2012
Children with special educational needs and disabled adults are still getting a raw deal, according to a report published today by the European Commission. Many are placed in segregated institutions and those in mainstream educational settings often receive inadequate support, the report concludes, and calls on Member States to work harder to develop inclusive education systems and to remove the barriers that at-risk groups face when it comes to participation and success in education, training and employment.
The report also highlights a wide diversity of approaches between Member States as to how children with special needs are identified, as well as whether they are placed in mainstream or special schools. It also questions whether special education systems increase the isolation of pupils who are already socially marginalised, reducing rather than enhancing their further opportunities in life.
It is of the essence to move towards more inclusive education systems, teacher education and continuing professional development
