Inclusive Education - Know your rights

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION ¡V KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

By Vanessa dos Santos Down Syndrome South Africa ¡V October 05

We often get desperate phone calls from parents who are being faced with the decision of whether or not to go the Inclusion route or to place their child in a special school. This can not only be very daunting but frustrating too. Many of our families are not aware of their rights and some schools, (special and mainstream) discriminate against them the minute they hear that the child has Down syndrome.

With inclusive education being the national policy for South Africa we felt it necessary to include this article and make parents aware of their rights.

Here are some interesting facts that you will need to guard against discrimination when it comes to enrolling your child at school.

Human Rights and Inclusion at school.

Every child has the right to be admitted to any public school, and to participate in ALL school activities. The admission age of a leaner to a public school is: ƒx 4 years turning 5 by 30th June in the year of admission, for grade R; ƒx 5 years turning 6 by 30th June in the year of admission, for grade 1. Parents may however choose to send their children to grade R and grade 1 a year later.

It is the responsibility of every parent to ensure that: ƒx Children are registered between August and November in the year before they start school; ƒx All children between the ages of 6 and 15 years attend school ƒx Their children attend school regularly.

All schools must admit learners without discriminating against anyone in any way. Schools may not administer any tests, use pre-school experience or language as reasons not to enrol a learner. No learner may be refused admission to a public school because his or her parents/guardians: ƒx Are unable to pay school fees; ƒx Do not subscribe to the mission statement of the school ƒx Have refused to sign an indemnity contract ƒx Are unable to afford all or part of the school uniform. The South African Schools Act (SASA) requires ordinary public schools to admit learners with special education needs, where it is reasonably practical. Schools are encouraged to make the necessary arrangements to make their facilities accessible to such learners.

If a child has been refused admission to a public school, the school principal must give a written explanation of why the learner was not admitted. If parents are not happy with the explanation they may lodge a written appeal to the provincial MEC for Education.

Inclusive Education

There are roughly 280 000 learners with disabilities whose rights have been violated and who are currently out of school. We at DSSA believe that parents need to make an informed choice with regards to their child¡¦s education. When a child with DS reaches school going age parents are faced with many choices. The decisions taken are often made due to a lack of information or based on myths and mistruths regarding the education of children with DS. Children with DS can and do learn and can be taught! They also continue to learn throughout their lifetime just like all of us providing that they are given the opportunity! However many parents (especially in the rural areas) believe that their child does not need to attend school. This is against the law.

Since most of our children are not physically disabled, there is no reason why they cannot be included into mainstream schools. The only adaptations needed would be to the curriculum to suit each learner. (support from the Department of Education¡¦s District Based Support Team, Parents and perhaps a facilitator where possible is advisable).

We advise educators and parents to access more information on inclusive education and the White Paper 6. Please refer to our website www.downsyndrome.org.za or phone 0861-DOWNSA

Although DSSA advocates for the rights of our members to be included into mainstream schooling we are aware that some families would prefer their child to attend a special school. We respect the choice that parents make and will support families no matter which route they decide upon.