Inclusive Education
Ableism is discrimination and prejudice against disabled people, and is part of a system which holds certain body-types and neurotypical minds as ‘normal’ or superior. With cuts to school budgets, public services, and benefits (worsened by the pandemic) hitting disabled people and their families harder than their non-disabled counterparts, and with SEND and neurodivergent pupils far more likely to be bullied and excluded, this is an issue that is consistently perceived to be at the bottom of education policy-makers’ priorities. Schools and organisations need more resources and support to support disabled young people, their allies and families to fight for a more inclusive world, which values all bodies and minds, and celebrates neurodiversity in all its forms.
Are you aged 14-18 and passionate about campaigning for change in the education system?
The Changemakers Lab 2021 training and campaign programme is now underway, but fill in this form if you would like to get involved in Change Collective, Changemakers Lab or other upcoming projects.
Below is a collection of articles and resources from within Changemakers Lab, Change Collective’s activist training programme, and from other organisations - ranging from practical toolkits to videos and podcasts - showcasing the work of young people and other activists fighting for dignity and respect for disabled and neurodivergent people. Is there something missing from here? Fill in this form to add a resource!
In the UK…
schoolsweek.co.uk
Repeated omission of special schools points to an ableist department
Special schools could be forgiven for thinking the department is ableist given that they are routinely treated as less important..
taboumagazine.com
Disabled people’s inclusion into mainstream education – 50 years of observation
The purpose of the article is to provide an observation of the 50 years of Disabled..
bbc.co.uk
Special educational needs support 'offered after exclusion'
Thousands of children with special educational needs were only offered support after they were excluded from..
theguardian.com
System for children with special needs in England 'riddled with inequalities'
Damning report by MPs finds many pupils miss out on support and end up being excluded from education. Children with..
live.firstnews.co.uk
Disabled children have the right to live a decent life
Article 23 of the The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child says: “A child with a disability has the right to..
cypnow.co.uk
Council and college leaders call for 'radical shake-up' of SEND support in further education
Council and college leaders are calling for a “radical shake up” of the support young..
Disabled Students UK is a grassroots student-led organisation.
Young activist Sophie blogs about life as a student & campaigner with chronic illness -Youth Activist Network
Disability Rights Training designed and delivered by Ryan at the young activist network
Insights into the school experience of young people with SEND, and the attitudes that disabled and non-disabled young people have about people with disabilities.
How was School? Project. Disabled people's experiences of school over the last century
Challenging your teacher to reach your full potential
The Inclusion Champions Network
Advice and support if you are being bullied at school
Platforming the work and ideas of disabled students whilst highlighting accessibility problems in higher education.
UK-based organisation of disabled people and allies campaigning against the impact of government spending cuts on the lives of disabled people.