Access to education
Introduction
Something that is easy to approach, reach, enter, speak with, or use is accessible. The term accessibility is often used to describe the right of people with disabilities to expect equal access to services.
Several definitions of accessibility refer directly to access-based individual rights laws and regulations. Products or services designed to meet these regulations are often termed Easy Access or Accessible.
Accessibility is a legal obligation. Under the Disability Discrimination Act, it is unlawful for companies and organisations, in both the private and public sector, to discriminate unjustifiably against disabled persons.
In the UK, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 has numerous provisions for accessibility:
- increasing access to the curriculum for disabled pupils
- making improvements to the physical environment of the school to increase access to education and associated services
- making written information accessible in a range of different ways for disabled pupils, where it is provided in writing for pupils who are not disabled.
Resources
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Educational Law Unit legal advice for pupils
A range of legal advice leaflet for pupils produced in 13 different languages.
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Advice to help young people understand why they need to go to school and what the consequeses of not attending might be. The leaflet is available in a range of languages.
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The Education of Children with Medical Conditions
This book examines the issues which affect the participation, achievement and social inclusion of children with medical conditions in education.
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Accessibility handbook and guide from the Scottish Council of Independent Schools
This handbook and guide will help schools to prepare their accessibility strategies, combat discrimination and make school communities more readily accessible.
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Moray Inclusion File: Accessibility for All
Discover how Moray Council has ensured good accessibility practice for all learners. This resource can be used to help schools develop policies and systems that promote accessibility and inclusion.
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Young Enterprise Scotland Special Educational Needs Trilogy
Find information on a trilogy of enterprise in education products for the additional support needs sector. They were developed by Young Enterprise Scotland and have now been released in CD-ROM format.