Should special needs schools exist? | A Current Affair

Summary

The Disability Royal Commission's recommendation to phase out special schools by 2051 has sparked mixed reactions. Some parents fear mainstream schools can't meet their children's needs, especially those with high-level disabilities like autism. Parents of children attending special schools argue that their children thrive in these tailored environments, where safety and specialized care are prioritized. Experts are divided, with some advocating for inclusion in mainstream schools to promote understanding and tolerance, while others argue that without significant teacher training and support, such integration could lead to isolation rather than inclusion.

Takeaways

• 👩‍👦 Special schools, like Giant Steps in Sydney, offer tailored education and support for children with disabilities, including autism.
• ⚖️ The Royal Commission recommends phasing out special schools by 2051, sparking debate among parents and experts.
• 💬 Many parents, like Ezra Hughes, feel their children, who have high needs, thrive in special schools where they receive specialized attention and therapy.
• 🚸 Mainstream schools can struggle to accommodate students with severe disabilities, as seen in cases where children experience meltdowns or absconding, like Hardi.
• 🏫 Special schools provide a safe and supportive environment for children with disabilities, which parents like Sonia believe cannot be replicated in mainstream schools.
• 📊 Around 12% of Australian students with disabilities attend one of the 520 special schools nationwide, highlighting the need for specialized education.
• 🌍 Advocates for phasing out special schools argue that inclusion in mainstream settings fosters tolerance and understanding among all students.
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers in mainstream schools often report being under-equipped to handle the needs of students with disabilities, with 92% saying they struggle with even basic responsibilities.
• 💰 Special schools, like Giant Steps, rely heavily on private fundraising, as government funding is often insufficient to meet their needs.
• 🧠 There is a call for better understanding and education about neurodiversity and autism, both in mainstream schools and in society as a whole.

Q & A

What is the main recommendation made by the Disability Royal Commission mentioned in the transcript?

The main recommendation is for special schools to be phased out completely by 2051, with the aim of integrating students with disabilities into mainstream schools.

Why are some parents, like Ezra Hughes, concerned about the recommendation to phase out special schools?

Parents like Ezra Hughes are concerned because they believe that special schools provide a safer and more supportive environment tailored to their children's high needs, which they fear mainstream schools cannot adequately provide.

What challenges does Ezra Hughes’ son, Teddy, face, and why does she prefer him attending a special school?

Teddy is nonverbal and has no concept of road safety, making it easy for him to get into dangerous situations. Ezra believes that the tailored attention and specialized care at his special school ensure his safety and well-being, which she feels he wouldn't receive in a mainstream school.

What are the arguments from those who support the phasing out of special schools?

Supporters of phasing out special schools argue that segregated education devalues people with disabilities and that inclusion in mainstream schools promotes tolerance, compassion, and understanding in society.

What issues did Sonia’s son Hardy face in a mainstream school?

Hardy, who has autism, struggled with intense sensory needs, particularly with the school bell, which caused him meltdowns. He would often try to escape from the classroom, which created a dangerous situation given the school's proximity to a busy road.

Why does Sonia prefer special schools for her son Hardy?

Sonia feels that special schools offer a sense of community, acceptance, and support for children with special needs. She believes these schools provide a safer and more understanding environment for children like Hardy.

How many students with disabilities attend special schools in Australia?

Approximately 12% of the 380,000 school students with disabilities in Australia attend one of the 520 special schools across the country.

What concerns do educators like Dr. Timothy Hawks have about the mainstream system’s ability to handle students with special needs?

Dr. Timothy Hawks highlights that 92% of teachers report being unable to cope with the current responsibilities of teaching, and believes that mainstream schools need significant improvements, such as more teacher training and individualized support, to adequately include students with special needs.

What does Barry Irvine, the founder of Giant Steps, say about the role of special schools?

Barry Irvine believes that special schools like Giant Steps are essential and should not be generalized or dismissed. He also stresses that such schools cannot rely solely on government funding and need substantial financial support to function effectively.

What steps do parents like Ezra and Sonia think need to be taken to improve special schools?

They suggest a better understanding of conditions like autism, more specialized education about neurodiversity, and increased support and resources for special schools. They believe that while integration may be a goal for the future, the necessary infrastructure and support are not yet in place to make this transition.