Profile of Jonathan Rix
Since 2000, I have conducted funded research into accessible heritage, pedagogy for children identified with special educational needs, parent's and children’s experiences of early intervention, the nature of policy documents and funding systems, the discourse of special schools and inclusion, and international special education provision. I have run many modules at the Open University, but one in particular (on Equality, Participation and Inclusion) introduced me to thousands of students who shared (in online forums and through assignments) their hugely diverse views and experiences of all kinds of education and services. I am a parent of a child with full time support in secondary school and a member of various charities, trust and advisory groups associated with special education and learning difficulties.
My research interests focus upon: policies, practices and language that facilitate inclusion within the mainstream; capturing diverse perspectives; and developing models to facilitate our thinking about the form and function of education. I have a strong and broad interest in issues relating to learning difficulties and issues of equality and participation. I have recent publications in the fields of Early Intervention, Intellectual Access to Heritage Sites, the use of Simplified Language, Special Educational Needs Funding and pedagogy, Alternative Education, and the ethics of language.
I’m currently leading research for the NCSE in Ireland, examining the continuum of provision internationally for children identified with special educational needs.
