British people have mixed feelings about disabled children going to mainstream schools, a new survey by NOP has revealed today.

The survey, conducted on behalf of the Disability Rights Commission, found that despite nearly two thirds of those surveyed saying they were in favour of disabled and non-disabled pupils being educated in the same schools less than a third of those same people were happy to see a child with a learning difficulty (such as down's syndrome) or mental health problems (such as depression) being in the classroom.Disabled students will have full rights to a mainstream education in schools, colleges and universities when the Special Education Needs and Disability Act comes into force in September 2001.

Forum Response: Disability Rights Commission

Bert Massie, chairman of the Disability Rights Commission, told ePolitix.com: "Our survey shows that many people believe that disabled children should have access to the same educational and social opportunities as everyone else. It's clear there are concerns, particularly for children with more complex needs. That's why we are launching the Educating for Equality campaign: to raise awareness of the benefits we can all reap when disabled pupils enjoy the same educational opportunities as everyone else."

"For too long, disabled people have been marginalized from the mainstream, often because they've been sidelined into inappropriate schools. The new legislation coming into force next year is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get it right for the next generation. Educating for Equality is designed to make sure we all benefit from this golden opportunity."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

A spokesman for the Professional Association of Teachers told ePolitix.com: "With the appropriate support, it should be possible to integrate children with disabilities or learning difficulties into mainstream schools. Children with emotional or behavioural difficulties are more difficult to integrate."

It is vital that all the children in a class receive the best possible and most appropriate education. No children should lose out because of their own physical, learning or behavioural difficulties or those of their classmates."

NATFHE - The University and College Lecturers' Union

Gerard Kelly, vice president of NATFHE, told ePolitix.com: "If the government is serious about making further and higher education accessible to disabled students it's time to make sure the funding system is right, and that there are enough resources to tackle the problems they face."

"The current funding system for providing additional learning support is fundamentally flawed. Colleges often can't reclaim funding for essential equipment for students with disabilities, and have to bear the cost out of their core funding. Unless money is specifically earmarked for special adjustments for disabled students, colleges will not be able to meet their obligations under the new Act."

"The time is right to look at support needs globally - an inter-agency approach. We need a seamless thread of support from schools, to college to university."