Children with Down syndrome being ‘actively discriminated against’
Students with Down syndrome are being denied their right to an effective education due to a lack of resources and training for teachers.
Down Syndrome Ireland is calling on the Government to adequately resource and roll out a national training programme for teachers in mainstream schools.
Parents and children with Down syndrome spoke at a briefing in Leinster House in front of TDs and Senators hosted by Fianna Fail TD Niamh Smyth and Spokesperson on Disability Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asking ‘Please don’t leave us behind’ in the charity’s campaign to ensure full inclusion in our nation’s classrooms.
The call came after Teachers’ Unions the ASTI and TUI advised their members to stop implementing individualised education plans for students with additional needs, such as those with Down syndrome, due to a lack of funding and adequate training provided to their members.
https://downsyndrome.ie/please-dont-leave-us-behind/