walking . is . overrated

Following on from this post, regarding some right-wing politicians’ view that disabled children are better off segregated within their educational environment, a recent local study has shown that in fact, disabled children usually thrive in an integrated classroom.

A huge factor in the success of integration is the part played by the classroom’s teacher, say the researchers from the Donald Beasley Institute and the Children’s Issues Centre in Dunedin.

“The teacher has to do two fundamental things — believe that the disabled student has a right to be there, and believe in themselves that they can make a difference. That’s where the education system can do a lot more; by improving pre-service and in-service teacher education, and by supporting teachers more so that they are better equipped for the increasing diversity in our schools.”

You can read the full article here.