I'm starting this petition as I believe there is still discrimination within education and that dated policies are stopping young people with learning difficulties from accessing education. My daughter Rebekah, has Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Language Disorder and Dyslexia. Rebekah has recently been offered conditional places on 3 dance degree courses. She gained these places through the audition and interview procedures and excelled in both areas. Rebekah is a gifted dancer and has achieved above and beyond what has ever been expected of her. Life presents many challenges for her but the latest one regarding education, is hitting her hard. 

Rebekah will not be able to take her places on any of the degree courses as she cannot gain her Level 2 in English and Maths. This is not because she is not intelligent or lazy, but because her disabilities prevent her from doing so. Rebekah can only pass tests if questions are re worded or explained and all exam boards refuse to do so. They argue that Rebekah would be at an advantage if questions are re worded or explained. Rebekah feels that she is already at a disadvantage, so believes that this help would level the playing field. 

Rebekah would find any academic subject difficult but she can excel in a subject area she is interested in, this is due to her Autism. Rebekah could not do French at school but managed to learn all French terminology in ballet within 6 months. Rebekah could not do sequencing in maths but could link many sequences of very technical dance movements with ease. Rebekah's barrier is the way she learns but also the way she is taught. Rebekah does not learn by listening or seeing (auditory or visual) but by doing (Kinesthetic learning). The educational system does not cater for learners who only use this method of learning. The education system caters for the majority. 

There are many children and young people who cannot move forward onto higher education because of what the government stipulate. Children of school age are still expected to learn dated and unnecessary subjects that are at times impossible for certain children to pass. The way we teach our children is very important but that is not just the responsibility of the parents. This should be in the classroom to. If you have more than one child as a parent you will know that you have to adapt to teaching your children individually. For example one child may learn rules by having them written down, another my learn simply by listening to instructions, where as another May have to repeat a physical task a few times to comprehend. Why are schools and colleges being asked to teach things in a way, so that certain children are destined to fail. Every child does matter, but I don't see anything being implemented to prove this.

Through changing teaching styles, subject matter, outdated regulations there is place for every child to achieve and in turn further their education. Please consider signing my petition as there are so many children with learning difficulties being put at a disadvantage and being discriminated against because of illogical rules. Rebekah can read and write. She has found ways to learn when schooling has failed her. However even now she is being refused the right to do something she is capable of, because she doesn't tick the "must have English and Maths" rules. I very much hope this petition helps not only my daughter but all those children who find current regulations and learning styles impossible. 

Finally I wanted to add....Rebekah was a world class gymnast (Bronze Medal Winner at the 2008 World Championships) by the age of 11! She progressed to ballet and within 2 years was attending residential ballet school.  Rebekah danced as a Swan in Swan Lake, touring with a ballet company in Scotland, aged 14. Rebekah gained a GCSE in Dance at just 13 and her grade....A* Why does Rebekah face discrimination?