Children with Down syndrome are facing damaging discrimination in our school system.
That's according to Down syndrome Ireland (DSI) who will tell TDs and Senators at Leinster House today that increased funding is needed to create a level playing field.
The organisation said Down syndrome students are facing "active discrimination" as they are not offered the extended summer term offered to other children with disabilities.
It said more resources are needed so teachers can give students the individual attention they need.
She said the long break from school can have a particularly negative impact on the children's education.
“Particularly for children with Down syndrome,” she said. “Due to their learning profile and their particular issues with working members etc. these children do tend to regress over the holidays due to the long gap away from educational input.”
She said many children are being left behind.
“We are in a position now that we feel that that is actually actively discriminating against children with Down syndrome,” she said.
“Because, if teachers can’t plan, they can’t provide an effective education for these children.
“Therefore, in response to that, we are requesting that the Government provide adequate resources so that teachers can be trained and can have adequate time for the planning.”
July Provision excludes children with DS from an extra month of #education , that extra month can really make a difference! ðŸ™
Please like, share & sign the petition to #makeadifference :https://t.co/uO6ct1iLiX #inclusionmatters#PersonFirst#TuesdayMotivation pic.twitter.com/hBrrs0tpcJ
— Down Syndrome IRL (@DownSyndromeIRL) January 29, 2019
