RIGHT TO INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES:

Moving from words to deeds

Donata VivantiVice-presidente EDF

1. EDF- Who are we?

– An independent NGO representing 80 million

persons with disabilities in the EU

– The umbrella organisation bringing the unified

voice of persons with disabilities in Europe

– full members in 30 European countries

– over 40 European organisations from all main

disabilities and chronic illnesses

– The front runners for disability rights in Europe

1. EDF- Who are we?

• human rights• equal opportunities• non-discrimination

Mission

• a society that includes people with disabilities is a better society for everyone

Vision

• guarantee fundamental rights • promote active participation of

persons with disabilities

Values

What do we want ?

Art. 24.1 States Parties

recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education…

without discrimination

on the basis of equal opportunity

shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and lifelong learning

Educationin the

UNCRPD

Ensuring:Accessibility of schools, transport and teaching materials

reasonable accommodation of environment, teaching style, organisation

adequate resourcesappropriate support

in mainstream education system

Removing barriers to inclusive education

Developing legislative measures and policies in close cooperation with organisations of persons with disabilitieswithout any compromises with the principle of equal opportunitiesregardless the nature or severity of the disability or difficulties to be included in mainstream schools

Moving towards inclusive education

Constitutional guarantee of free and compulsory education to all children

Definition of reasonable accommodations (of school buildings, equipment and materials) in the legislation on accessibility

Legislation which defines any child or group of children with disabilities as ‘uneducable’ should be repealed

Recognition of failure to accept a disabled student in a mainstream school as an offence based on anti-discrimination laws

Developing legislative measures

Incentives for the transition to mainstream schools

Allocating funds for adequate individual support

Adopting special education skills in the general education systems

Pre-service and in-service training of all teachers to meet the educational needs of all students with disabilities

Lifelong learning opportunities and strategies

Coordination between ministries

Developing policy measures

Human rights education and peer support included in the school curriculumParents and students involved in the definition and implementation of IEPApply new technologies for teaching in mainstream schoolsAddress the specific needs of girls and women with disabilities

Developing positive actions

YES, WE CANWith a more intense and

qualified support

Can we include in mainstream education children with severe

learning disabilities and/or challenging behaviours?

Girls and women with disabilities:lower access to school and qualifications (notwithstanding the opposite trend for students without disabilities in some countries)

higher rates of school drop out

higher illiteracy rates

lower access to employment

Special measures are needed to ensure equal opportunitis

Gender perspective

Improves the capacity of teachers to meet the educational needs of any other student Enhances the awareness and understanding of diversity as a richness of our society since childhood

Benefits for all of inclusive education

Inclusive educationMoving from words to

deeds www.edf-feph.org

THANK YOU