Discrimination And Special Needs Education

"Is it unfair to pose the question as to how many of the 80 children per day expelled or stood down from their school, have learning needs unmet, with the result being unacceptable social behaviour?" Commissioner for Children, Roger McClay asked School Principals’ at their Conference in Wellington today.

Mr McClay observed that, like all children, "mentally or physically disabled children should enjoy a full and decent life too. They too have a right to dignity, the promotion of self reliance and the facility to be active participants in their community."

Mr McClay also highlighted this week’s expression of concern from the Human Rights Commission, Commissioner Ross Brereton had said that "there was widespread discrimination against special needs children in the education system and that 60% of the complaints received about education, concerned disability".

Office of the Commissioner for Children Level 12, 86-90 Lambton Quay PO Box 5610 Lambton Quay WELLINGTON

phone: 4711 410 phone fax: 4711 418 fax

email: children@occ.org.nz email

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