CDA Education Survey Media Release - 14 May 2015

**MEDIA RELEASE** Embargoed: 12.00am Friday 15 May 2015 NATIONAL SURVEY REVEALS ONE IN FOUR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY REFUSED SCHOOL ENROLMENT A national survey published today confirms that children with disability face considerable barriers to a quality education. The survey assesses the direct education experiences of students with disability and was conducted by the national peak organisation Children with Disability Australia (CDA) in April 2015. The results reveal a system in crisis. 68% of parents surveyed believe that their children are not receiving adequate support at school. One in four children with disability has been refused enrolment and a further 17% are only offered part-time enrolment. The survey exposes both active and passive exclusion of students with disability on a day-to-day basis. 39% of respondents said that children with disability were regularly excluded from school activities, such as excursions, playground at recess and lunch, school discos and after-school clubs and classes, because the school did not have the resources to enable them to attend. Stephanie Gotlib, CEO of CDA said: “These statistics reflect an education system not meeting the needs of students with disability. As a result many are being denied the right to a quality education,” “Many respondents cited a lack of resources and lack of funding for the limitations placed on their child’s attendance and meaningful participation, but there are also some instances of blanket refusals to consult and coordinate, for example refused enrolment on the basis of disability,” “These results confirm the reports CDA continues to hear from its members. It is critical that schools are appropriately funded to provide a quality education for all that we rethink our attitudes and approaches to disability,” said Ms Gotlib. SNAPSHOT OF SURVEY RESULTS

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Children with Disability Australia research confirms discrimination against students with disabilities-same as it ever was.

Transcript of CDA Education Survey Media Release - 14 May 2015

**MEDIA RELEASE**

Embargoed: 12.00am Friday 15 May 2015

NATIONAL SURVEY REVEALS ONE IN FOUR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY REFUSED SCHOOL ENROLMENT

A national survey published today confirms that children with disability face considerable barriers to a quality education.

The survey assesses the direct education experiences of students with disability and was conducted by the national peak organisation Children with Disability Australia (CDA) in April 2015.

The results reveal a system in crisis. 68% of parents surveyed believe that their children are not receiving adequate support at school. One in four children with disability has been refused enrolment and a further 17% are only offered part-time enrolment.

The survey exposes both active and passive exclusion of students with disability on a day-to-day basis. 39% of respondents said that children with disability were regularly excluded from school activities, such as excursions, playground at recess and lunch, school discos and after-school clubs and classes, because the school did not have the resources to enable them to attend.

Stephanie Gotlib, CEO of CDA said: These statistics reflect an education system not meeting the needs of students with disability. As a result many are being denied the right to a quality education,

Many respondents cited a lack of resources and lack of funding for the limitations placed on their childs attendance and meaningful participation, but there are also some instances of blanket refusals to consult and coordinate, for example refused enrolment on the basis of disability,

These results confirm the reports CDA continues to hear from its members. It is critical that schools are appropriately funded to provide a quality education for all that we rethink our attitudes and approaches to disability, said Ms Gotlib.

SNAPSHOT OF SURVEY RESULTS One in four children with disability has been refused school enrolment. 68% of children with disability do not receive adequate supports at school 17% of children and young people with disability are only offered part-time enrolment. Nearly all respondents (93%) said they had the opportunity to talk with the school about information they believe is important for their childs learning, however 41% of those said that they did not think this information had been appropriately considered as part of their childs education program. When asked for suggestions regarding improvements for schools the top three priority areas for respondents were:i. More funding and support ii. Better communication and value views of parents and studentsiii. Teacher training & professional development

MEDIA CONTACTSara Irvine+61 [email protected]

NOTE TO EDITORS

National Survey: The Direct Education Experiences of Students with Disability 2015The survey was conducted online over a two-week period in April 2015 and the results published on Friday 15 May 2015.

OVERVIEW OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS

1025 people responded to the survey and it is nationally representative.

STATE/TERRITORY%

ACT5

NSW27

NT1

QLD19

SA7

TAS3

VIC 32

WA6

AREA%