beyond the law: critical reflections on international human rights law and policy 2012 ...
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Beyond the Law: Critical Reflections on International Human Rights Law and Policy 2012 Griffith College Cork, 7 th -8 th June 2012. Special Educational Needs Provision: Does Ireland Measure up to International Human Rights Standards? Andrea Broderick. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Beyond the Law: Critical Reflections on International Human Rights Law and Policy 2012
Griffith College Cork, 7th -8th June 2012
Special Educational Needs Provision: Does Ireland Measure
up to International Human Rights Standards?
Andrea Broderick
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Irish Special Education Law
Irish Special Education Policy
Irish Special Education Practice
Role of Education for Disabled People
“If every child matters, every child has the right to
a good start in life. If every child matters, every
child has the right to be included. And that is so
important for children with special needs.”
~Cherie Blair~
Education as a Pre-Requisite to the Exercise of Other Rights
Importance of Early Intervention
Every €1 spent on a child’s education before the age of
10 years of age will save the Irish government €7 on
future costs.
___________________________________________________
(Dail Debates 2012)
Vital Statistic
Total number of children in Ireland with a special
educational need is estimated to be 190,303, equivalent to
almost18% of all children
______________________________________________
(Estimate from the National Council for Special
Education Implementation Report 2006)
Special Educational Provision in Ireland
Appalling record of the Irish government
History of neglect and exclusion
Notable improvement in the last two decades in the Irish state’s response to special needs as a result of court cases:
- O’Donoghue v Minister for Health and Education [1996] 2 I.R. 20 (SC) - Sinnnott v Minister for Education [2001] 2 IR 545 (HC)(SC)
However, barriers still exist in Ireland if we are to live up to international standards
Article 24 of the CRPD
Inclusive education system
Lifelong learning
The full development of human potential of each child
(a) Persons with disabilities are not excluded from education;
(b) Access to inclusive education on an equal basis with others;
(c) Reasonable accommodation of the individual's requirements;
(d) Effective education;
(e) Effective individualized support measures
Barriers in Ireland to Inclusive Education
Constitutional Right to Education
High level of obligation placed on the Irish state by
Constitution
The obligation placed on the state is the same,
irrespective of whether a child has a disability or
not
Judicial interpretation has diminished the state’s
obligation
The right has been interpreted as ceasing at the age
of eighteen, regardless of need
Potential of the CRPD to promote reform through
lifelong learning
Irish Legislative Framework for Special Education
Education Act (1998)
Education for Children with Special Needs Act (2004)
Disability Act (2005)
EPSEN ACT (2004) Positive Features:- Right to Educational Assessment and an Individual Educational
Plan
Deficiencies in the EPSEN Act:
- Act not yet implemented: CRPD requires a realistic timeframe for
implementation
- Lack of guidance on what constitutes an appropriate education
for disabled children: CRPD focus on the outcomes to be
achieved by the education system – potential for curriculum-based
assessments
Overly dependent on resource considerations: Potential of
CRPD to increase allocation to special needs through Optional
Protocol
Notable improvement in policy approach in Ireland
Inclusive approach to special education, in line with international standards
Introduction of automatic supports
Policy Developments in Ireland
Irish Special Educational Provision
Deficiencies in Irish Special EducationInadequate Support Framework in Mainstream Schools
- National Educational Psychology Service: 5,000 pupils to each psychologist in Ireland as opposed to European average of 3,000 to one and 2 referrals per year per school
-HSE: 2,800 children waiting on assessments - Huge delays in the system.
System is input-oriented rather than output-oriented:
- CRPD requires states to monitor the right to education in Article 33 CRPD
Deficiencies in Irish Special Education
Transition from primary to secondary school - CRPD places emphasis on individualised supports.
Inaccessible curriculum: - CRPD notion of universal design and flexible approach to assessment.
System of categorisation and resource allocation: - CRPD promotes system where child is educated in line with abilities.
Capacity of School:
- CRPD can promote whole-school approach and capacity-building.
Conclusion
Ireland has made great strides in developing inclusive policies and laws.
Education provision has improved dramatically.
HOWEVER
There is still huge room for improvement.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can help in improving the situation for disabled children.
“The Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities can help to close the gap between the
theory of inclusive education and the reality”
~ Inclusion International~
“If we are to achieve a richer culture, we must weave
one in which each diverse human gift will find a
fitting place”
~ Margaret Mead ~
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!
Contact: [email protected]