INCLUSIVE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WORK Simone Aspis Policy and Campaigns Coordinator Alliance for Inclusive Education (ALLFIE) For Disability Positive Herefordshire

Who is ALLFIE We are a national campaigning network run by disabled people with support from supporters (teachers, parents etc). We are a charity and our office is in Brixton, London. ALLFIE’s vision and work is set by the ALLFIE Trustees, most of whom are disabled people. WHY WAS ALLFIE SET UP AND BY WHOM?

Why Inclusive Education worth Campaigning for? "Inclusive education IS a social justice issue because it creates a society that values all equally - not only does it benefit disabled students, but all students, because they learn the strength of diversity and equality, lose their fear of difference, and develop empathy for others. It is as much about recognising our similarities as it is valuing and respecting our differences. Feeling part of our families and our communities from the beginning of our lives increases our sense of citizenship." Tara Flood CEO, ALLFIE

Why Is Inclusion Important? Being included from the start makes us feel part of our families and communities Being included encourages a better understanding and valuing peoples differences Segregation creates prejudice and inequality Segregation in childhood, in many cases, leads to segregation in adulthood Segregation creates a feeling of being separate, different and isolated because Special schools focus on a medical model of disability – fixing the child to fit – the child is the problem.   People often talk about INTEGRATION but this is not INCLUSION INCLUSION IS SOCIAL MODEL History of segregation – huge negative impact on our lives – PERSONAL EXPERIENCE We don’t live in a segregated world why on earth would we choose to segregate children in their young lives.

#N 0 #0 Ellen Goodey

Nadia Clarke

What is Segregated Education? Disabled learners being placed in separate education institutions and on separate courses This tends to force disabled people to lead a separate life.

What is Integrated Education? Disabled learners being placed in mainstream provision with either no or few adaptations and resources but on condition that she or he can fit in with pre-existing structures, attitudes and an unaltered environment.

What is Inclusive Education? Disabled learners needs being placed in mainstream provision, where there is a commitment to removing all barriers to the full participation of each learner as a valued, unique individual.

Finding ways to change law and policy What ALLFIE does Finding ways to change law and policy  Sharing Information changing policy and law about education and disabled learners information sharing a newsletter – Inclusion Now monthly campaigns & policy briefings website training resources for schools & colleges supporting others – 200 members Heading for Inclusion leadership development with young disabled people Training Supporting others

WE KNOW INCLUSION WORKS CAMPAIGN

ALLFIE’s 6 demands for Inclusive Education All disabled learners have the legal and human right to attend mainstream courses in mainstream schools, colleges and universities. All disabled learners have the legal right to support. Education buildings to be made accessible to all disabled learners.   What is the situation now? New Govt – anti inclusion despite: disabled people in the UK are still twice as likely as non-disabled people: not to go to university or college not to have any qualifications not to have a job   FUTURE: ALLFIE - shifting focus to building capacity of mainstream – and using human rights in our campaigning work - UNCRPD – the world is signed up!

ALLFIE’s 6 demands for Inclusive Education All mainstream courses are accessible for disabled learners.   All education assessments and accreditations are inclusive. Disability equality training is compulsory for all education staff.