Forum Brief: Disability discrimination

A survey from the Disability Rights Commission has revealed that a quarter of disabled pupils feel discriminated against at school.

Thirty eight per cent reported bullying and 41 per cent said they felt "left out" at school.

Forum Response: Disability Rights Commission

Bert Massie, chairman of the DRC, said: "The research shows that there is still much to do to ensure equality of opportunity for young disabled people, who now have new rights to prevent discrimination in education.

"Some schools and colleges have worked hard to ensure young disabled people don't face barriers in their establishments. Others have not - the DRC helpline has taken more than 800 calls on education issues since the introduction of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act in September.

"Few would argue that inclusion benefits all sections of society - the education sector needs to work harder so the rhetoric becomes reality."

Forum Response: The British Council of Disabled People

Andy Rickell, chief executive of the British Council of Disabled People, told ePolitix.com: "The British Council of Disabled People is pleased that the Disability Rights Commission has undertaken research which again proves what we have been saying for over a decade, that we as disabled people suffer discrimination within the education system.

"Given the crucial importance of education as a means of affecting life chances, the removal of discrimination against disabled people in education is central to addressing the wider discrimination that disabled people suffer.

"The British Council of Disabled People is therefore committed to 100 per cent inclusion of all disabled people within the mainstream education system, together with the resources to make sure that this inclusion is a reality and not just lip service.

"It is clear from the research that one area that must be addressed is the attitude of those within the education system towards disabled people, primarily teachers and fellow pupils and students. Everyone needs to acknowledge the part that they play in this discrimination, and be prepared to change attitudes, including low expectations."

Forum Response: Disabilities Trust

A spokesman for the Disablities Trust, told ePolitix.com: "It is sad to see from the results of this DRC survey that too many young people with disabilities find obstacles placed in the path as they try to complete their education and in particluar that they face in some cases severe discrimination.

"All these problems of course have a negative knock-on effect on their chances of finding work when they leave school and means many are likely to have lower incomes and less financial freedom in adult life than their non-disabled peers."