(SIR Europe – Brussels) - “We must intensify our efforts to accomplish inclusive education policies, adequately financed, if we want to improve the lives of children with specific educational needs, or of adults with disabilities”: Androulla Vassiliou, EU commissioner for education, presents a survey on school education given, in particular, to learners with disabilities, socially excluded, or with learning difficulties. The document says: “In spite of the commitment of Member countries to promote inclusive education, children with specific educational needs or adults with disabilities still find themselves in a situation of disadvantage. Lots of them find themselves in secluded institutions, and those who are part of the general education system would often be inadequately supported”. The report asks the States “to do more to develop school systems” removing the obstacles in the training course of the less protected pupils. “Inclusive education is not an optional: it is a basic need”, added Vassiliou. In compliance with the report, 15 million individuals have specific educational needs originating also from particular social situations (such as Rom children). Within 2012, the Commission will present a work document on training equality, which “will include a chapter on inclusive education, with examples of successful policies and optimal practices”.

10/07/2012 -