SAHRC advocates for access to education for children with disabilities
Reacting to a recent report by Human Rights Watch, The SA Human Rights Commission is calling on the Basic Education Department to do more to ensure that children with disabilities have access to education.
The report stated that our government is failing to guarantee the right to education for many children and young adults with disabilities.
The international NGO estimated that half a million children are affected.
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The report also highlighted that many disabled children face discrimination and barriers when trying to get into schools. The Commission's Gurshwell Brooks says the learners face challenges when enrolling into schools - particularly those that are mainstream.
"In terms of special needs - the number of special schools are inadequate. I think this is a hallmark of a developing country. Despite that, special provision does need to be made by the Department of Basic Education. Children living with disabilities need to leave to other provinces in order to obtain their secondary education," he said.