Joint Committee on Disability Matters to resume its discussion on aligning education with the UNCPRD

The UNCRPD Article 24 on Education for those with Disabilities calls for State parties to ensure the realisation of the right of persons with disabilities to education through an inclusive education system at all levels, and for all students, without discrimination and on an equal basis with others, while ensuring reasonable accommodation of the individual’s requirements is provided.

The following representatives are due to attend:

Representatives from WALK, Catherine Kelly, Deputy CEO & Gavin Gilvary
Representatives from Rehab Group, Barry McGinn, CEO, Lucianne Bird, Director of Learning
Representatives from National Council for Special Education (NCSE), Paula Prendeville, Head of Inclusion - Policy and Practice & Madeline Hickey, Specialist Lead – Sensory
Kerry Lawless will speak on her lived experience about accessing education as a person with a disability
Wendy Newman, former student at the National Learning Network

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “Tomorrow’s meeting is one of a series the Committee will hold regarding the topic of ‘Aligning Education with the UNCRPD’. The Committee will hear from stakeholders working in the area of education and training for people with disabilities.”

 “In particular, we welcome the opportunity to hear from Wendy Newman – a former student at Rehab’s National Learning Network who suffered an acquired brain injury and to gain her insights on aligning education with the UNCPRD and from Kerry Lawless who will discuss her experience as a person with a disability in third level education and access to post graduate education."

The meeting can be viewed live on the Oireachtas website here.

The Joint Committee on Disability Matters has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.