**MEDIA RELEASE**

Embargoed: 12.00am Friday 15 May 2015

NATIONAL SURVEY REVEALS ONE IN FOUR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY
REFUSED SCHOOL ENROLMENT
A national survey published today confirms that children with disability face
considerable barriers to a quality education.
The survey assesses the direct education experiences of students with disability and
was conducted by the national peak organisation Children with Disability Australia
(CDA) in April 2015.
The results reveal a system in crisis. 68% of parents surveyed believe that their
children are not receiving adequate support at school. One in four children with
disability has been refused enrolment and a further 17% are only offered part-time
enrolment.
The survey exposes both active and passive exclusion of students with disability on a
day-to-day basis. 39% of respondents said that children with disability were regularly
excluded from school activities, such as excursions, playground at recess and lunch,
school discos and after-school clubs and classes, because the school did not have
the resources to enable them to attend.
Stephanie Gotlib, CEO of CDA said: These statistics reflect an education system not
meeting the needs of students with disability. As a result many are being denied the
right to a quality education,
Many respondents cited a lack of resources and lack of funding for the limitations
placed on their childs attendance and meaningful participation, but there are also
some instances of blanket refusals to consult and coordinate, for example refused
enrolment on the basis of disability,
These results confirm the reports CDA continues to hear from its members. It is
critical that schools are appropriately funded to provide a quality education for all that
we rethink our attitudes and approaches to disability, said Ms Gotlib.
SNAPSHOT OF SURVEY RESULTS
One in four children with disability has been refused school enrolment.
68% of children with disability do not receive adequate supports at school
17% of children and young people with disability are only offered part-time
enrolment.
Nearly all respondents (93%) said they had the opportunity to talk with the
school about information they believe is important for their childs learning,
however 41% of those said that they did not think this information had been
appropriately considered as part of their childs education program.
When asked for suggestions regarding improvements for schools the top
three priority areas for respondents were:
i.
More funding and support
ii.
Better communication and value views of parents and students
iii.
Teacher training & professional development

MEDIA CONTACT
Sara Irvine
+61 402982002
sarairvine@cda.org.au

NOTE TO EDITORS
National Survey: The Direct Education Experiences of Students with Disability 2015
The survey was conducted online over a two-week period in April 2015 and the
results published on Friday 15 May 2015.
OVERVIEW OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS
1025 people responded to the survey and it is nationally representative.
STATE/TERRITORY
ACT
NSW
NT
QLD
SA
TAS
VIC
WA

%
5
27
1
19
7
3
32
6

AREA
Regional
Remote
Metropolitan

%
42
4
54

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Aboriginal
Torres Strait Islander
No

%
3.5
0.5
96

Non-English Speaking Background

Yes
No

%
5
95