Ninety per cent of deaf children (over 3,300 in total) attend mainstream schools in Ireland. This statistic relating to inclusive education, shows general teaching approaches must change to support altering needs with digital hearing technologies and teaching techniques.
Facilitating Inclusive Education in Ireland
Inclusive education should be an option for parents in Ireland who want to try it. Yesterday’s Positive Attitudes & Actions For Inclusion conference in Dublin, was organised by Tommy and Audrey Boyle – whose son has special needs – to prompt public debate about inclusive education and supports.
A highlight was the Irish premiere of the “Including Samuel” documentary by US-based photojournalist Dan Habib, who attended with his wife, Betsy.
Dr. Artemi Sakellariadis, director of CSIE UK and Gillian Bird, from Downsed International spoke on how educational inclusion benefits society as a whole.
Christy Lynch, CEO of KARE, outlined how a new primary school in Co. Kildare became inclusive during its planning process, while a keynote speech was given by John Moloney, Minister for Disability and Mental Health.
Citing The Salamanca Statement (1994)
A key theme on the night was the Salamanca Statement, emerging from the 1994 UNESCO World Conference on Special Needs Education. Ireland was among the 92 governments and 25 international entities at that conference.
This statement seeks to develop inclusion as a way to achieve high-quality education for all. Minister Moloney noted that Ireland has much to do for the EPSEN Act (2004) but that progress will be seen as funds become available.
Two excellent film clips were also shown, namely a FCTV documentary of the Boyles’ son, Michael, at his school, while actor Colin Farrell spoke on a video-clip from L.A, about how his son made him see life in a different way.
School Leaders’ Attitudes Towards Inclusion
The event’s resounding message is that the attitude of principals and class teachers is a deciding factor in educational inclusion. A can-do attitude achieves far more than resources – plus, one free resource is available in every classroom – peers. Children can teach adults about inclusion, too.
With thanks to PCR Ltd for providing pro bono live captions on the night, and giving the event organisers a written record of all proceedings.
Further Reading:
- Deaf Children Are Educators, Too
- The Salamanca Statement (1994) and EPSEN Act (2004)
- Inclusive Education Teaches Many Things
- Mainstream Education For Special-Needs Children: Significant Research
- Schools ‘Must Change Their Attitude To Disability’
