MEDIA RELEASE

1 August 2008

Click here to read Word version

CCS Disability Action Supports IHC Complaint to Human Rights Commission

CCS Disability Action supports IHC's complaint to the Human Rights Commission that Government policies and practices prevent disabled students participating fully at their local school.

"The current system remains one of the biggest barriers for disabled students being included in their local community and it’s something that needs urgently addressing,” says CCS Disability Action CEO Viv Maidaborn.

The New Zealand Disability Strategy aims to increase the participation of disabled people in society and the Education Act states that any child who has special education needs can enrol and receive education at their local state school.

“For many students this is not a reality and often they have to look at schools outside their community or are left with no other option than attending a special school,” says Viv Maidaborn.

Current research shows that children with disabilities do better, both academically and socially, when they are taught in regular education settings.  Their non-disabled classmates do better as well.  Children taught in segregated settings such as special schools have more difficulties in these areas, and are much more likely to face challenges when it comes to finding work and participating in the community as adults.  The research also shows that children with disabilities fare best when schools actively work to be inclusive of all students.

“In light of the complaint to the Human Rights Commission, New Zealand should focus on supporting the rights and needs of children with disabilities to receive a high quality education in their local school,” adds Viv Maidaborn.

The solution is for Government and the education sector to commit itself to ensuring that policies, practices and schools become inclusive.  This means rethinking how we train and support teachers and principals, and how we resource and support our schools.

CCS Disability Action welcomes discussion with IHC and Government to further this matter.

“We must be aspirational for all our students.  New Zealand has the ability to create an education system where everybody is welcome, has friends, is achieving, successful, and grows to be a connected contributing citizen.  In short, an inclusive education system,” adds Viv Maidaborn.

ENDS

For further information contact:
Viv Maidaborn
CEO
CCS Disability Action
Wellington
04 801 0846 or 027 211 5145


CCS Disability Action Background Information
CCS Disability Action works in partnership with disabled people, their families, and whanau to ensure equality of opportunity, quality of life, and by helping to create environments of inclusion. New Zealand is made up of disabled people, their families, and whanau; CCS Disability Action aims to assist all people who face barriers on the basis of disability.

CCS Disability Action operates with a National Office and regional management structure, providing services nationally from 16 incorporated societies.  We deliver regular services to over 6,000 people with disabilities, making us one of the largest disability support service providers in New Zealand.  CCS Disability Action works closely with other disability agencies to make the best use of shared knowledge and resources, helping us to adopt best practice across the sector.  CCS Disability Action also works with government to make sure that those with disabilities have the same rights to relationships, learning, work, recreation and community as everyone else.

Our foundation statement, Te Hunga Haua Mauri Mo Nga Tangata Katoa, forms the basis of our identity. It reminds us that all people have mauri, life force, and that all life force is equal. Our vision is to build a truly inclusive New Zealand; a country that embraces diversity.