From 2 September, under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001, which amends part IV of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, parents in England will have means of redress through new special educational needs (SEN) and disability tribunals, and through admissions and exclusions appeal panels.
In Scotland, the new law will work together with the special educational needs framework and new planning duties under the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils' Educational Records) (Scotland) Act 2002.
The Act covers all aspects of school life, from teaching to after-school clubs; timetabling to classroom support; homework to anti-bullying policies and admissions to exclusions. Schools should also plan to increase access to their buildings, the curriculum and printed information given to pupils.
Education providers must also make 'reasonable adjustments' to ensure disabled pupils and students are not disadvantaged.
Also this week, the Disability Rights Commission launched its 'Educating for Equality' campaign to ensure children who have disabilities are taught in mainstream schools and know their rights.
An NOP survey commissioned by the Commission has found that two-thirds of people in Britain said they favoured disabled children attending mainstream schools, while 70 per cent thought that perceptions of disabled people in society can be changed through integration in the classroom.
Campaign chair Bert Massie described the public's belief that disabled people should be given the same educational opportunities as others as 'heartening'. He said, 'Education is the key to changing attitudes, and is fundamental to disabled people being included in the workplace and throughout society. Mr Massie stressed it was 'vital' that disabled pupils and students got the right start in life. He said these new rights would give them 'the chance of an education free from discrimination'.
Key activities launched as part of the independent body's 'Educating for Equality' campaign include a confidential helpline giving information and advice to disabled students, parents and educationalists; a conciliation service to ensure that where problems occur, they can be resolved amicably, speedily and at low cost; the provision of materials for schools and parents that raise awareness of the legal duties that come into effect this month; and support for legal cases where discrimination occurs.
The campaign helpline is on 08457 622 633 or textphone 08457 622 644.
