Currently, much of the problem lies in GSE (Group Special Education – the other wing of the Ministry of Ed) – or lack thereof. The same cuts that govt depts have had to make apply to GSE – so people are not being replaced. The problem with this somewhat flawed approach to ‘cutting down’ public people, are they are not policy makers not being replaced but actual front line staff – such as ed pyschs and speech lang teachers etc. This is a worry. And not reported so the public do not realise they are losing support here as well. (as an aside, I do wonder what planet the Nats come from)

The second issue is that the ORRS funding has never been funded well – its a contribution towards paying for the needs of a student with issues – and I would go as far as saying not always a fair process. Some of this responsibility lies with Govt, some with the Ministry and some with individual schools.

It will be interesting to see how the IHC Court case goes.

http://www.anglicare.org.au/files/pdf/Kingsdene%20Final%20Report%20-%20Master.pdf

I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS REPORT TO ANYONE STUDYING SPECIAL EDUCATION, SOCIAL WORK, SPEECH THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PHYSIOTHERAPY AND ANY PARENT OF AN INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED CHILD.

I am confident that you will give this role the attention it needs, especially in view of the Special Ed review.

‘most importantly young disabled people who are having to negotiate a system which is not meeting their needs and is not visionary.

I’ve enjoyed working with Lynne and the team this year and would welcome meeting with you early in 2010.’
I would like to echo Matt’s thoughts, and reiterate the importance of putting to the fore youth perspectives, with the policy and service knowledge that we have in the sector. I believe it is possible to create a great education system that works for all who participate in it.

Go well, happy holidays!
Alex

At the school attended by my three children there are kids with some disabilities – some are disruptive to the class environment – and there are i think 3-4 teacher aids to assist these kids throughout the school. Giving these kids some sort of foundation is necessary and hopefully a solid investment in their future. This is one area of social spending I am very pleased to fund as a citizen. We have an obligation as a society (and indeed it is a measure of the maturity of a society) as to how well they look after their weakest and most at risk citizens.

Many thanks for this post and congratulations on your appointment. This is as Hilary says an area with many challenges but also lots of opportunties to enhance lives like that of George and his family.

Without false modesty, in response to Hilary I’d say there are lots of experts out there- families and most importantly young disabled people who are having to negotiate a system which is not meeting their needs and is not visionary.

I’ve enjoyed working with Lynne and the team this year and would welcome meeting with you early in 2010.

Have a great Christmas,

Cheers, Matt.

Congratulations on your new role.

Our organisation – Inclusive Education Action Group – would love to come and talk to you about the educational barriers facing disabled students. We have lots of ideas of where improvements could be made. Check out our website:

http://www.ieag.org.nz/

I’ll be in touch
Ian Armstrong, Co-Convenor IEAG