DISCRIMINATION IN SCHOOL?

CMLG

Since my brother has been in a wheelchair, his school have been doing some things which don't seem right to me. When I picked him up from a school disco he was really upset because the teachers told him he could only stay in small section of the hall which was about 2m x 2m and if his friends wanted to play with him, they had to go to him. The same thing has been happening at break times, he is limited to half the playground. When they went on a school trip, all the children went on a coach but my brother had to go in a taxi because it would have been more expensive to arrange a disabled access coach, they did let him take a friend but I still don't think it's right. Are they discriminating against him? What are our rights? Thank you for your help 

LoveFelix

When I was prevented from accessing a Film Club at our local University whilst using my mobility a scooter-because I was deemed a fire risk-I found the Equality Advisory and Support Service very helpful. There is a Freephone telephone number and Live Chat sessions are sometimes available.

https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/app/ask 

htlcy

Hi CMLG, thanks for your post. I'm so sorry to hear that your brother is having a hard time. Schools in particular need to be accessible for all, and that should include events like the disco. I would be tempted to get in contact with an organisation like LoveFelix has outlined, and explain your circumstances. Understandably sometimes sorting out provisions may bring issues and need alternative measures put in place, but if you or your brother feels uncomfortable with some of the arrangements its well-worth chasing them up. Chatting with Scope admins and getting in contact with the relevant authorities will help you to piece everything together. I hope you get somewhere with this and please keep us informed!

Heather

Richard_Scope

Hi I'm shocked and sorry to read what your brother has experienced. I am a wheelchair user and attended mainstream school in the late 80's, early 90's. I was not excluded from anything. Please keep us up to date.

CMLG

Thank you for your kind words and support. We had recently contacted someone and they provided us with a template letter to send in to make a formal complaint to the school stating all of our concerns. We have received a reply which I need to look into a little more but they have also enclosed a copy of rules my brother has to abide by at the school.

These rules are shown below:
PLAY/ LUNCH RULES
I must sit at the dinner table sensibly.
I must wait for an adult to take me to the playground.
I must have my seat belt on all the time.
I must not do wheelies or bump into other children with my wheelchair.
MY WHEELCHAIR IS NOT A TOY, I WILL SIT BY THE FENCE IF I DON'T ISE IT PROPERLY.
I will play a game of my choice with adult supervision, for my safety.
My supervisor will stay with me at all times but give me freedom to play with my friends.

Do you think these rules are fair?

Thank you