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Commentary on: “Ordinary lives” means ordinary schools: towards a unitary 0-99 years policy for adults and children with learning disabilities

Becky Hardiman (The Fragile X Society, Great Dunmow, UK and Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK)

Tizard Learning Disability Review

ISSN: 1359-5474

Article publication date: 21 January 2020

Issue publication date: 28 February 2020

105

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to reflect on some of the challenges faced by caregivers when making decisions relating to school placements for their child with a learning disability.

Design/methodology/approach

Quotes from parents and caregivers, contacted via a national syndrome support charity, are shared, along with broader perspectives gained through the charity’s helpline service.

Findings

A number of themes are discussed, including friendships and role models; expectations and educational targets; training, speciality and capacity of staff and managing a widening gap.

Originality/value

When considering the future of education provision, it is important to consider some of the tensions between an ideology of inclusion and the current realities of service provision. To create effective solutions to achieving more effective inclusion, the concerns and experiences of families, as well as children, must be considered.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Thank you to those who generously shared their experiences to support with the writing of this study.

Citation

Hardiman, B. (2020), "Commentary on: “Ordinary lives” means ordinary schools: towards a unitary 0-99 years policy for adults and children with learning disabilities", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 47-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-11-2019-0034

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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