Only US school can help our son.
Evonne Barry Herald Sun June 18, 2011 12:00AM
Parents of some special needs children say public schools have been failing them. The Daily Telegraph
A MELBOURNE family is moving to the US for "emergency education" because it believes the Victorian school system has failed their 11-year-old son.
The autistic boy is from one of at least nine families suing the Education Department through the Federal Court for discrimination and what they claim is inadequate education.
Some families say they have spent up to $100,000 on therapy, tutoring and legal fees in their bids to get their "left behind" disabled children up to speed.
While experts warn parents their court battles could come with big financial and psychological costs, the desperate mums and dads say legal action has become a last resort.
The mother moving her family to the US next month said she sent her "severely autistic" son to three Melbourne schools before researching overseas options.
The family will continue Federal Court action against the Education Department after settling in a US school that specialises in teaching autistic children.
"It's very hard going to court, but it's also very hard not to. We're hoping to avoid a ghastly outcome for our son," the mother said.
"It's a pretty lonely life for him at the moment. He does not have grade-five language and he doesn't have much confidence around his peers. But he's a learner, so we're excited about him making progress."
Documents lodged with the Federal Court show the family's claims include expenses for "emergency education" in the US.
Other students with discrimination cases in the Federal Court include:
A GIRL, 13, with several diagnosed learning disabilities who, according to her mother, has been denied funding for an aide despite "having the reading and writing skills of a grade one (student)".
A BOY, 16, allegedly suffering low self-esteem, anxiety, bullying and victimisation because his learning difficulties were not properly addressed by a Melbourne high school.
Bendigo mother Anne Maree Stewart is also considering legal action against the state education system. She claims her son Matthew, 9, who has a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome, has at times been "treated like a piece of dirt" because of his disability.
Children with a Disability Australia executive officer Stephanie Gotlib said education standards were the chief concern for parents of disabled children.
But child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg urged parents to think carefully about legal action.
"I can certainly understand their frustration. But the psychological impact of having your shortcomings paraded in the public arena may not be in the best interests of these kids."
An Education Department spokeswoman said its $550 million Program for Students with Disabilities supported 20,000 students.
barrye@heraldsun.com.au
The following are only a few examples of the comments found in response to this particular story. Please go to the following link to view all. Everyone has the right to their own opinion despite how we feel personally. Let's not be judgemental!
My family has had a similar experience with the Education Department. We took our battle to our local minister who heard our concerns but did nothing. Our son also has Asperger's and has been refused aid. We have had to pay for additional tutoring twice a week to ensure he keeps up as he does not get the support he needs in the class room. Our son's school has let us all down and when we looked at alternative schools, one school said 'we have got enough problem students of our own'. The department does not support those children who are fit for main stream school but need that extra assistance and support.
Comment 2 of 41
It is sad that families are forced into such situations in this day and age. However mainstream education is designed to handle the masses and is unable to cater for every child. Children with very specific needs will struggle with 'normal' classes, and in special cases, special facilities are needed.Public education is neither designed or funded to handle these extreme cases.My son has mild Asperger's syndrome and although his teachers are dedicated, caring and hard working they have 26 kids to worry,care, and cater for. Special treatment is given but, we as parents need to be active and participate in the classroom environment, sit in, provide support and in the end not expect the education system to provide all the answers. Our children are special and although we may wish to normalise them they will never be normal and will always be very special, they are who they are. Good luck in the US but dont be suprised if their system has similar issues, reagrdless of how special the facility.
Comment 4 of 41
Fiona of Melbourne, How selfish are you...Every child has the right to an education. Perhaps if you had a child with special needs you would feel very differently. I am a grandmother with an Autistic granddaughter who is yet to start school and a granddaughter with Asperger's who is currently in prep and way ahead of all the other children in her class. I am extremely proud of both my angels.
Comment 6 of 41
There are some ignorant people out there , Children with additional needs have a right to be in main stream school. My son who is 18 as additional needs and over the years hes been let down by the public system. Parents with out a child with additional needs donot understand the stress and grief we go through everyday. Put yourself in our lives .
Comment 11 of 41
Why didn't they just enroll their kids into specialist Autism Schools? There's a few dotted around Australia. No need to go to the US.
Comment 3 of 41
Amazing how many student's now have 'so called' learning disabilities! 95% of the problem is the parent's not taking time to teach and discipline THEIR children. Clearly there are children out there who do need help and deserve it but for the most part it's a massive cop out. Too many student's have NO respect for teacher's and this start's in the home! Parent's need to take far more responsibilty for their child and stop blaming the education system for their inept parenting!
Comment 5 of 41
