Dublin’s Southside People newspaper (July 6th edition) mentions how a young deaf pupil at a Dublin school is at risk of losing her classroom SNA (special needs assistant), if the current SNA-funding crisis is not resolved.
This Wednesday (July 13th), the Dail Technical Committee is meeting to dedicate their three hours of private-members’ Question Time to the issue of changes in education and cuts in all areas of special educational resources.
A simultaneous family-friendly protest will be held at Leinster House, Kildare Street at 3pm that day, with several Technical Committee members inviting parents and educators to submit concerns for discussion during their review.
Let’s pause to recall a point made by Ann Heelan, director of AHEAD, in the Times (2010): “The economic reality of high-tech jobs in a fast-changing world means employers need problem solvers, creative thinkers & technical experts. Many children with disabilities are great outside-the-box thinkers.”
Educational supports for these children is a first step to realising their value, both as individuals and as potential contributors to a multi-skilled workforce.
Further Reading
* Educational Supports For Deaf Children In Ireland
* Proposed SNA Cuts – Just The Tip Of An Iceberg?
* Parent Involvement In Child Education Is Essential
* Schools ‘Must Change Their Attitude To Disability’
* Inclusive Education Is ‘All-Encompassing Learning’
* Hearing-Aids + Learning = Education
