Training For Inclusion

Inclusion is the cornerstone of the Government’s strategy for educating disabled children or those referred to as having “special educational needs". Our lead article highlights the legislation, which makes it unlawful for schools and colleges to discriminate against disabled users of their services and facilities. In practice, however, it is difficult for teachers and support staff to understand and implement the special skills needed to ensure that students with a disability are not excluded.

The work of a small charity called Disability Equality in Education (DEE) is designed to help education professionals understand the needs of disabled students and, hence, overcome this problem.

DEE provides training and resources for schools and colleges about the issue of inclusion for all students within the education system. It has successfully delivered training programmes in over forty local education authorities, various further education colleges and teacher training courses. DEE has developed a national network of Disability Equality Trainers. The programmes they deliver are based on the Social Models of disability and the principles of inclusive education developed in North America. Following the intensive in-service training course, the DEE trainers will help the School or College develop a specific Inclusion Action Plan. The action plans are designed to stimulate the change process, reduce the barriers to inclusion and develop an ethos where all pupils, and students are welcomed, supported and valued.

Not only the disabled benefit in schools where inclusion has been embraced. Statistics suggest that achievement for all pupils improves faster than in schools with a non-inclusive ethos.

To carry out its exceptional work, Disability Equality in Education relies on funding from Comic Relief and the DfEE. Its inclusive training programmes could reach a larger number of schools and colleges more quickly, if more money was available. The charity, therefore, welcomes donations, however small, from both individuals or companies.

If you would like to contact DEE to enquire about the service, it is based at:

Leroy House,
436 Essex Road,
London N1 3QP
Tel: 0207 3592855

Or visit the website www.diseed.org.uk to learn more.