Barriers, rights and advocacy
Many families expect that inclusion should just happen because it is the right thing to do, but this is not usually true.
A high quality inclusive education is usually achieved by a commitment to working collaboratively with the school, but also, at times, through determined advocacy to protect a child’s right to an inclusive education.
It is helpful for families to understand the barriers to inclusion, keep developing their advocacy skills (including learning from experienced family advocates), and become knowledgeable about policies and legislation.
Becoming a Better Advocate: Learning from other Advocates
Video
Why Inclusion?
Community Resource Unit Ltd.
Queensland parents describe why they chose inclusion for their children with disability.
Video
Advocacy learnings
Community Resource Unit Ltd.
In this video, some brave parents describe what they have learned from their mistakes and successes in advocating for an inclusive education for their children with disability. They share valuable advice to current and future parent advocates.
Website
Queensland Collective for Inclusive Education (QCIE)
Queensland parents can connect with other families of children with disability pursuing an inclusive education for their children, through the Queensland Collective for Inclusive Education (QCIE)
Click here to learn more about QCIE Opens in newwindow
QCIE facilitates a peer support network that holds events like coffee mornings across Queensland - Find a group near you Opens in new window.
QCIE also facilitates the private Facebook group the QCIE Peer Support Network Opens in new window. As this is a private group you will need to request permission to access it.
Article
Lessons Learned From Our Journey Of Inclusive Education
Martin and Darcy Elks
"Inclusion is worth it (even with the struggles). Mary is now a confident young woman, moving in a positive direction, going through the day as her own person, working, socializing, and knowing how to conduct herself in many different situations and social contexts, willing to take risks— all the things we want from all our children.
Good luck, and may the wind be always at your back!"
Article
Inclusive education: When research evidence is not enough!
Glenys Mann
"The research also tells us that having a child well included is not just a matter of knowing the evidence. The academic and community literature is full of stories of poorly implemented ‘inclusive education’, despite the research, and this is more likely for children with an intellectual disability who are still routinely directed to special schools.
Therefore, this article also reflects on why relying on academic evidence is not enough when seeking inclusion in a regular school and outlines other information and skills that parents might use in order to pursue inclusive lives for their children."
Podcast
CRUcial Conversations: Margaret and Jeremy Ward
Community Resource Unit Ltd.
Margaret and Jeremy Ward have been active members of the disability community in Queensland since the 1980’s. They have invested in collective family advocacy efforts and in developing their own leadership skills and the skills of others.
In this story they share the personal struggle for their daughter Mena to attend the local school alongside her peers. They describe the importance of clarifying their vision; learning about new ways of doing things and getting the right people around the table to help make it happen.
Video
What is important for families to know in regards to their rights in education
Family Advocacy
Article
Brave not perfect
Rachel George
“I’m proud of the tone I set—checking every detail, speaking my mind, and building working relationships...
I wasn’t prepared for feeling so mixed, but truly it is a preview of the next 15 years. The biggest takeaway is that my foremost challenge will be educating each team member individually, and in their own “language” about how and why inclusion is truly best practice.”
Video
We all belong
Northwest Down Syndrome Association
We All Belong is a beautiful video of families involved in a US based family advocacy group. It is a documentary film exploring the issues of belonging and diversity in our classrooms but also demonstrates and explores parent advocacy in action, and the value in learning advocacy skills.
It includes gems for preparing for an IEP meeting with advice such as: "Never write a goal that a dead person can meet"!
Good advocacy requires persistence and fidelity.
It helps to think about your bottom lines and the life your son or daughter deserves. By developing a mindset that insists on a rich included life, you can stand strong for what your child deserves.
Video
Advocating for Children: Tips from a School Superintendent
Understood.org
This clip highlights the value of persistence and connecting with other families for change and sustainability of advocacy efforts
Article
The Virtue of Stubborn
Lisa Bridle
"From the onset, his Dad and I have been determined that his life will not be defined by his disability. We have stubbornly resisted the low expectations and special path reserved for people with disability. We have been unwavering and obstinate that Sean would get a life as ordinary as possible, be recognised for his gifts not his challenges and that, if necessary, we would fight for his inclusion in the mainstream of community life.
Equally Sean has persistently demonstrated his determination to be at the centre not the margins – and to make a place for himself in the world, even in places where he is not immediately welcomed."
Knowing your own vulnerabilities
This is important in being effective over the long-term. Self-doubts as an advocate are natural and while they can help you think about how to improve your advocacy skills, it’s important that these natural self-doubts do not overwhelm or paralyse you.
Video
Second-Guessing Yourself as a Parent
Understood.org
The Importance of Student Voice
Young people with disability know what works best for them. They are more likely to be engaged in learning if the supports put in place reflect their preferences.
Video
It's My Learning - I Have a Say
Community Resource Unit
Feeling heard and valued in conversations around reasonable adjustments makes a student with disability feel safe and supported within their school community. It also empowers them to become self-advocates, setting them up with skills they will use beyond the school gate. Consulting students with disability (and their families) about decisions and adjustments that will affect them, is also a legal obligation set out by the Disability Standards for Education 2005. When consulting a student and their family about reasonable adjustments that will enable access and participation in education, it is critical to consider their language, cultural background and cultural safety.
The below two resources provide information on the right of students with disability to be consulted, and provide examples of ways students can have their say in how they are supported:
Video
Inclusive Education Forum
Loren Swancutt
This presentation explores and unpacks school-level design, implementation and leadership processes that support the realisation of inclusive schooling. The Insightful steps and strategies are backed by the real-life applications and experiences of Thuringowa State High School – a Queensland State High School that disbanded its segregated Special Education Program in 2015, and has been successfully educating all students in age-appropriate, heterogeneous classrooms ever since.
If the video is not working, please click here Opens in new window
Article
Bringing Down the Fence
Imagine More
While it is legitimate and ordinary for parents to advocate for their children, it is also helpful for young people with disability to build their advocacy skills, and it is helpful to have allies in school systems. In this presentation Loren Swancutt explores and unpacks school-level design, implementation and leadership processes that support the realisation of inclusive schooling.
These insightful steps and strategies are backed by the real-life applications and experiences of Thuringowa State High School – a Queensland State High School that disbanded its segregated Special Education Program in 2015, and has been successfully educating all students in age-appropriate, heterogeneous classrooms ever since.
“I never enjoyed school until I was given the opportunity to be myself alongside everyone else. I used to think that I wasn’t capable of what they were capable of. I now know that I matter, and that I can do the same things that all kids my age do.
Yes, I am different, but I am not so different that I need to be kept separate or hidden. Inclusion at Thuringowa makes me beyond happy – I am equal, I am smart and I now have choice”
Student at Thuringowa State High School
Becoming a Better Advocate: Guides to Advocacy
Things are not always what they seem – think twice or more when choosing between your well-thought out desire for inclusion and offers that may knock your son or daughter off the path to an inclusive life with possibilities and promise.
I choose inclusion - Queensland Parents of People with Disability (QPPD)
Fact Sheets
Guide
I Choose Inclusion
Queensland Parents of People with Disability (QPPD), updated by Community Resource Unit Ltd in 2020
"Parents seeking inclusion need quality information and support to be effective in this goal and we hope that this booklet will inform, encourage and inspire you.
In this booklet, you will read that sometimes achieving inclusion can be a challenge, but we hope you will not be deterred from choosing inclusion."
Everyone can become a better advocate and this booklet will help you develop your advocacy knowledge and skills.
Many families have found it invaluable to be prepared and forewarned about some common statements made by schools. The following documents were produced by Queensland parents to help other families to be more prepared for tricky conversations with their child’s school, and for formal meetings.
Directory
Education Propaganda Directory
Queensland Parents of People with Disability (QPPD)
Many families have found it invaluable to be prepared and forewarned about some common statements made by schools. The following documents were produced by Queensland parents to help other families to be more prepared for tricky conversations with their child’s school, and for formal meetings.
Guide
School Meetings. Are you prepared?
Queensland Parents of People with Disability (QPPD)
Meetings are a constant feature of school life for parents of students with disability. Being prepared for meetings is critical for family advocates.
Booklets
Pocket Guide to Advocacy
Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL)
The Alberta Association for Community LivingOpens in new window in Canada has put together a Pocket Guide to Advocacy to support and provide families advice on the role families have as advocates for the family member with disability
Most parents believe if they are rational and logical, compromising here and there, the system will be considerate and responsive. This is rarely true. Little is gained by compromises in comparison to what is gained by being firm, clear and holding your ground. Keep your eyes on what needs to be done and try not to be distracted by the roadblocks that might be put in your way.
Bruce Uditsky and Anne Hughson
Article
Mobilise!
Joyce Mitchell
"An assertive person is a strong person. Parents of disabled children need to train themselves to be more assertive than other parents in order to cope with and master the added stress of daily life.
Assertive behaviour gives you the strength you need to take on the world, while non-assertive or aggressive behaviour creates barriers to effective action"
Guide
Achieving Inclusion: What every parent should know when advocating for their child
Julie Causton-Theoharis and Christi Kasa
This is a helpful resource (please note the legislation here is from the US, not Australia).
"As members of the IEP team, parents play a key role in advocating for the needs of their child.
They need to be “informed decision-makers” and fully participate in the planning process. What follows is a list of strategies to try when advocating for inclusion. "
Barriers to Inclusion
Advocacy sharpens your capacity to critically view what is just and unjust within our communities and what must be done to foster needed social change
Family Advocacy
Inclusive education is backed by more than 50 years of research, is a human right confirmed by the UNCRPD, has the backing of law and policy, and is of benefit to all, including a foundation for an inclusive society.
Unfortunately this does not translate to being automatically available, and many individuals and families find they must advocate skilfully and persistently in order to secure inclusive education. It is helpful to understand and be prepared for the systemic barriers to full inclusion.
Report
Time for change: The state of play for inclusion of students with disability
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)
The results from the 2019 CYDA National Education Survey.
CYDA conducted a National Education Survey between August and September 2019 to provide important information on the experience of children and young people with disability in their school education. There were 505 young people with disability and families and caregivers of children with disability who responded to the survey.
Report
Time for change: The state of play for inclusion of students with disability
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)
This evidence review by Dr Kathy Cologon from Macquarie University provides an extensive systematic literature review of inclusive education.
It examines evidence across six decades and incorporates more than 400 research papers, relevant treaties and reports, to further explore the existing barriers and the possibilities for addressing these to bring about the realisation of inclusive education.
Video
Disabling Segregation
Dan Habib
Photo-journalist and disability-rights advocate, Dan Habib, explains his family's fight to ensure an inclusive education for Samuel, and how inclusion benefits not just Samuel and those who are included, but all of us.
Article
Recognition of Unconscious Prejudice as a Barrier to Inclusion of Students With Disability
Catia Malaquias
"Changing school culture to a more inclusive culture – to a culture more welcoming of students with disability – involves both modifying conscious cultural prejudice and increasing awareness of unconscious or implicit cultural bias and prejudice in school staff and the broader school community."
Article
I Shouldn’t Have to Fight for My Daughter With a Disability to Be Considered by Educators
Ellen Stumbo
“But this brought up a much greater question, how many times did my child sit through a class unaware of all instructions given? How much did she miss? And more important, how often did teachers fail to communicate effectively with her? How often was she completely ignored?
Allowing her in a classroom is not the same as inclusion. Not even close. Inclusion means you do everything you can to make sure every single student can participate. And you cannot participate if you do not understand or know what is happening.”
Rights and Legislation
When advocating for school inclusion, it is helpful to be familiar with the policies and legislation which you can draw on in your advocacy. At the same time, where possible you should ensure you do not escalate to legal complaints without exhausting other points of influence. There may be some access to formal (paid) advocacy, though this is limited.
Legislation
Disability Discrimination Act 1992
Provides protection for everyone in Australia against discrimination based on disability. Disability discrimination happens when people with a disability are treated less fairly than people without a disability.
Disability Standards for Education 2005
National standards that set out the obligations of education and training providers and seeks to ensure that students with disability can access and participate in education on the same basis as other students.
Convention
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006
An international human rights treaty intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
The United Nations has clarified the right to inclusive education in General Comment no 4.
Article
UN Committee Clarifies Right to Inclusive Education
Catia Malaquias
Website
2017 QUT Inclusive Education Forum – What do we need to DO to make inclusion happen?
Various presenters
On Wednesday 6 September 2017, Student Engagement, Learning and Behaviour (#SELB) Opens in new window at QUT hosted an Inclusive Education Forum in partnership with Community Resource Unit Ltd., All Means All Opens in new window, and the Queensland Department of Education and Training Opens in new window.
Website
How do I Make a Complaint?
Queensland Government, Department of Education
"A customer complaint involves an expression of dissatisfaction about the service or action of the department, or its staff, when the customer is directly affected by the service or action.
For more information about what is and is not a customer complaint, see our Customer complaints management framework"
Click here to see the Department of Education's Complaint Policy Opens in new window
Website
Right to Education
Queensland Human Rights Commission
The Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) is an independent statutory body which has jurisdiction over both the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 and Human Rights Act 2019.
You can contact the QHRC with complaints of discrimination, victimisation and other breaches of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, and complaints under the Human Rights Act 2019.
Click here to visit the QHRC website Opens in new window
Click here to visit the QHRC webpage: Your Rights - Discrimination in Education Opens in new window
Website
Australian Human Rights Commission
This is the Government body overseeing the application of federal legislation in the area of human rights and anti-discrimination. The Human Rights Commission investigates and conciliates complaints about discrimination and breaches of human rights.
Website
Find an Advocate
Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)
This website lists advocacy agencies in Australia and includes a brief explanation of the different approaches to advocacy.
Video
What is the right to education?
Queensland Human Rights Commission
Professor Tamara Walsh, TC Bierne of Law, University of Queensland.
Website
Education Advocacy Service
Queensland Advocacy Incorporated
QAI’s Young People’s Program can assist children and young people with disability to understand and uphold their rights within the education system. QAI provides individual advocacy to assist young people with disability to present and express their views and wishes to others, and will advocate for a child’s interests and appropriate supports. QAI’s service is free of charge.
This project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through the Department of Education.
The Department of Education website outlines its commitment to Inclusive education through its inclusive education policy.