The Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs explores the perspectives of various stakeholders involved in the protection of children at school. While reading the article, I was appalled to learn about the reported physical violence and the resistance of support (Robinson, 2018, p.52). As an educator who is committed to inclusive education and protecting the rights of a child, it was difficult to read about the lack of appropriate safety measures that led to harmful experiences. I was further disappointed to learn that “not one student in this research had made use of criminal, civil or anti-discrimination law in relation to the harm they had experienced, although there were multiple instances in which they may have had reason to do so” (Robinson, 2018, p.56). The Convention on the Rights of a Child specifically recognizes the need to protect against discrimination on the grounds of a disability. This leads me back to our conversation last week where we discussed the importance of advocating for the rights of a child and making them aware of their rights through our daily teaching. We have made great strides in adopting an inclusive education system, but there are still obstacles to be removed and supports to be developed (Inclusive Education Canada, 2017). The absence of explicit legal protection is, in my opinion, due to a lack of education. The study indicated that “many were unclear about their rights in relation to complaint making, and found the process draining and difficult” (Robinson, 2018 p.55). It suggest that most families rely on relationships with staff to implement strategies and keep students safe. I’m wondering what the challenges are with this frame of thinking?
References:
Inclusive Education Canada. (2017). Right to education Retrieved from: https://inclusiveeducation.ca/learn/right-to-education/
Robinson, S. (2018). Safety and harm in school: promoting the perspectives of students with intellectual disability. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 18(S1), 48–58. doi: 10.1111/1471-3802.12417
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