#disabilityroyalcommission #specialschools #mainstreamschools #Advocatesreissue
Growing up, Britt Wilson had big dreams. Key points Phasing out discriminatory education was among 222 recommendations of the disability royal commission Phasing out segregated education was among 222 recommendations of the disability royal commission Members were divided over future of special schools Commissioners divided over future of private schools The government has yet to act on the recommendations and major change is unlikely to happen quickly "I wanted to do photography or graphic design. I was always really talented at art," she said. Britt, who lives with muscular dystrophy and has used a wheelchair since the age of four, hoped be the first member of his family to go university. However, the lack of support in general education led to a different outcome. "I actually dropped out of 12th grade because everything was too much," she said. “As long as you went over the minimum, [teachers] didn't care.” Specialist.Teamabc.au When Britt gave evidence at the disability royal commission hearing into education in June 2022, she spoke of how she had been ostracized at school and left behind in classrooms by teacher aides who would not push her manual wheelchair. Britt, now 22, is proud to be part of the workforce but feels she had to get there the hard way. “I don't think I was given the full opportunity to grow in my education,” she said. Royal commission divided The debate over education of disabled children was reignited this week with the publication of royal commission's final report. Views on the role of private schools have long been complex and divided. And this was highlighted by the fact that royal commissioners were divided on the recommendation that segregated education and so-called special schools be phased out within 28 years. Mainstream schools are facilities that educate students with disabilities alongside their disabled peers Special schools are facilities where students with disabilities are supported and educated separately from other students Three of the six commissioners called for the end of private schools by 2051 and no new enrollment from 2032. Commissioners said discriminatory education contributed to devaluation of people with disabilities "which is the root cause of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation they experience in education and beyond." Research shows that children disabilities do better in inclusive general education and that able-bo students who are educated with people disabilities have less prejudiced views. The remaining commissioners did not think that total phasing out was necessary to achieve inclusive education. Experts have said schools primarily accept students with disabilities "do not need to operate in ways isolate these students from their peers" and separation may be beneficial in some cases. Some parents have previously told the ABC that private schools have proven much more suitable for their chi