Review Disabled Kids' Rights to Higher Education

Recent signers:
Ricky Hawe and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

My daughter was born with Hydrocephalus and has an intellectual disability. I've fought relentlessly against a system that often disregards the needs of children like her. Fortunately, my persistence has led to accommodations that will provide her with the educational support she deserves. However, this success story shouldn't be an exception. What about the countless other children with disabilities who lack a voice in this struggle?

Currently, the rights of kids with different disabilities are not sufficiently recognized in higher education. Though government initiatives claim to support inclusive education, in practice, institutions fall short, often accommodating students with disabilities only up until the senior level. After this, supports like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) seem inadequate, particularly for students with intellectual disabilities, Autism, and other specific needs.

The current Minister for disabled people has the power to change this system and end the ongoing injustice of neglecting these children's right to a comprehensive education. The barriers children with disabilities face are vast and varied, but their access to education should not be one of them.

This petition demands a thorough review and overhaul of the current policies regarding the education of children with disabilities. This includes ensuring that all higher education institutions are truly inclusive and accessible to students with different needs, especially those with intellectual disorders.

It's time to ensure that every child, regardless of their disabilities, has an equal opportunity to succeed academically. Join us in demanding that the Government commits to real change and creates an educational environment where all children can thrive. Sign this petition to urge the Minister to take action now, so no child is left behind.

125

Recent signers:
Ricky Hawe and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

My daughter was born with Hydrocephalus and has an intellectual disability. I've fought relentlessly against a system that often disregards the needs of children like her. Fortunately, my persistence has led to accommodations that will provide her with the educational support she deserves. However, this success story shouldn't be an exception. What about the countless other children with disabilities who lack a voice in this struggle?

Currently, the rights of kids with different disabilities are not sufficiently recognized in higher education. Though government initiatives claim to support inclusive education, in practice, institutions fall short, often accommodating students with disabilities only up until the senior level. After this, supports like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) seem inadequate, particularly for students with intellectual disabilities, Autism, and other specific needs.

The current Minister for disabled people has the power to change this system and end the ongoing injustice of neglecting these children's right to a comprehensive education. The barriers children with disabilities face are vast and varied, but their access to education should not be one of them.

This petition demands a thorough review and overhaul of the current policies regarding the education of children with disabilities. This includes ensuring that all higher education institutions are truly inclusive and accessible to students with different needs, especially those with intellectual disorders.

It's time to ensure that every child, regardless of their disabilities, has an equal opportunity to succeed academically. Join us in demanding that the Government commits to real change and creates an educational environment where all children can thrive. Sign this petition to urge the Minister to take action now, so no child is left behind.

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Petition created on 29 May 2025