RIGHT TO INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Moving from words to deeds Donata Vivanti Vice-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 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 Education in the UNCRPD

Ensuring: Accessibility of schools, transport and teaching materials reasonable accommodation of environment, teaching style, organisation adequate resources appropriate support in mainstream education system Removing barriers to inclusive education

Developing legislative measures and policies in close cooperation with organisations of persons with disabilities without any compromises with the principle of equal opportunities regardless 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on accessibility Legislation which defines any child or group of children with disabilities as ‘uneducable’ should be repealed Recognition of failure to accept a disabled student in a mainstream school as an offence based on anti-discrimination laws Developing legislative measures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 curriculum Parents and students involved in the definition and implementation of IEP Apply new technologies for teaching in mainstream schools Address the specific needs of girls and women with disabilities Developing positive actions

YES, WE CAN With 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 education Moving from words to deeds THANK YOU