Many disabled children fail to reach their full potential because they continue to be marginalised in schools, health and social care, according to new research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
“We found that disabled children often experience discrimination, exclusion and even violence,” say Professor Dan Goodley and Dr Katherine Runswick-Cole, who implemented the study at the Manchester Metropolitan University.
“The biggest barriers they meet are the attitudes of other people and widespread forms of institutional discrimination.”
“Disabled children are seldom allowed to play and act like other children because of concerns about their ‘leaky and unruly’ bodies.
But our study shows that many children who don’t fit the narrow definition of ‘normal’ have untapped reserves of potential and high aspirations which can be fulfilled when their families receive effective support.
There are also many amazing families who should be celebrated for the way they fight for their children.” continues Professor Goodley.
it was the Conservative governments decision to scrap the School Sports partnerships, which were one of the best things that had happened to state school P.E in years. But then theTories don’t like Sport. I am suprised they haven’t cancelled the Olympics! – but of course they will be sitting in the front row, with the tickets that we the taxpayer have bought for them.
P.E teacher