My daughter, a bright and promising student, faces an uphill battle every single day due to her physical disability. She has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a condition that makes accessibility in schools a formidable challenge. Despite her intelligence, she is deemed "too smart" to qualify for an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) while being «too disabled» to access 85% of schools. This paradox has not only hindered her education but has also led to her facing verbal and physical attacks due to a lack of understanding of her condition. Teachers, without adequate training, fail to grasp that while she can walk, she primarily uses a wheelchair, and this ignorance has cost her dearly over the past five years.

It's time we address these significant gaps in our educational system. A physical disability should be recognized as equally important as a learning disability in the educational process. We propose several essential changes to ensure that all children, irrespective of their physical capabilities, are given equal opportunities:

1. **Mandatory Wheelchair Accessibility**: Every school, without exception, must be equipped to accommodate wheelchair users. Accessibility ensures inclusion, and it is a basic right that must be upheld for every child.

2. **Legally Binding Individual Health Care Plans**: An Individual Health Care Plan should carry the same legislative weight as an EHCP to guarantee support for students with physical disabilities.

3. **Inclusive School Trips**: All school outings should be wheelchair accessible, whether in primary or senior school, ensuring that no child is left behind in any educational or recreational activity.

4. **Compulsory Disability Training for Teachers**: Teachers should be required to undergo comprehensive disability training to understand and support students with various conditions effectively.

As a society, we have a responsibility to create an environment where children can thrive irrespective of their needs. By signing this petition, you are advocating for an inclusive educational system that recognizes and adapts to the needs of every student. Please join me in pushing for these vital reforms to make a lasting impact on our schools and the lives of countless students and families.

Sign this petition to ensure every child receives the education they deserve, free from barriers and discrimination.