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Parents of children with special educational needs settle cases with schools

Josh Clarke at home. Picture by Hugh Russell
Josh Clarke at home. Picture by Hugh Russell Josh Clarke at home. Picture by Hugh Russell

THE families of children denied places at three schools have agreed settlements of claims brought to tribunal.

Supported by the Equality Commission, cases were brought against St Brigid's College in Derry, Wallace High in Lisburn and Lislagan PS in Ballymoney.

The proceedings involved the schools' refusal to accept disabled children, although the Education Authority (EA) identified them as suitable.

The Equality Commission said each school had apologised. Two cases were settled last year and a third in April 2017.

Wallace apologised for "hurt" caused to Josh Clarke, who has spinal muscular atrophy type two and uses a powered wheelchair. It agreed to send its staff for disability training. He was instead sent to Friend's School where his mother told the Irish News he was dong well.

The case settled with St Brigid's involved an 11-year-old boy who has an autistic spectrum disorder which has an adverse effect on his ability to learn, concentrate or understand.

While the EA recommended he go to St Brigid's, the school said it "was not in a position to provide post-primary education".

The child involved in the Lislagan case has Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and a mild to moderate learning disability. His parents met the school but considered it was clear the child would not be welcome. Although it was indicated that the governors would consider the matter, the child was placed elsewhere.

Equality Commission chief commissioner Dr Michael Wardlow said "there is a lesson from these cases for every school".

"When a disabled child applies for a place, they should proactively give proper consideration to how they can adapt to meet the needs of that pupil. These are children who have enough barriers facing them in life. They don't need the additional barriers than can be thrown up when schools decide that their needs cannot be accommodated," he said.

"By challenging the decisions which were taken they and their families hope to ensure that other children, in similar circumstances, can avoid the additional, and unnecessary, difficulties which were placed before them."

In a statement, Wallace High School said it cooperated fully with the support provided by The Equality Commission.

"A significant investment is currently being made by the Department of Education. The £3.2 million School Enhancement Programme is nearing completion; this will secure a significant improvement in disability access for all young people, staff, parents and other visitors to our school."

Lislagan and St Brigid's could not be contacted for comment.