Mother’s battle to send special needs daughter to school

A Brisbane mother has had to go to extreme lengths to prove she works in an essential service in order to have her child with special needs accepted by her school during COVID-19.

A REDLANDS mother has had to go to extreme lengths to keep her special-needs daughter at school.

Birkdale mother Karin du Toit was required to provide a letter from her employer to prove to Redlands Special School she worked in an essential service to warrant her child's care at school during COVID-19 restrictions to attendance.

Mrs du Toit, who works at a local coffee shop, said while her husband worked from home it was not possible for him to both do his job and care for their high needs 13-year-old daughter who has neurological disorder SYNGAP1.

“It’s impossible,” Mrs du Toit said.

“My child is very one-to-one (in her needs).”

She said she needed to work when it was offered to her as her income was not guaranteed.

“Nothing is promised and in this case I (have) to work as an essential worker to make sure the business makes it through these dark days of coronavirus.”

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Mrs du Toit said she was frustrated by having to justify her situation.

“Your moral character is questioned,” she said.

The mother of three had tried to find a carer for her daughter through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) but had no luck.

“Before phoning the school I had already tried to get carers in and could not find any available carers, and only then I had no choice as we both are working.

“Why do I need to explain myself?

“I have kids in the private schools as well and that was super easy to send those kids to school but the state schools seems a negotiation and send proof and convincing has to be done.

“It’s unfair.

“Surely other parents are going to be in the same boat as me.

“It (the current school restrictions) cannot be the standard or the norm for any family with a special-needs child.”

An Education Department spokesman said advice around school attendance had not changed and remains consistent with the expert health advice.

“Schools will remain open for children of essential workers and vulnerable children,” the spokesman said.

“Parents are encouraged to keep in close contact with their child’s school, and to discuss any

concerns about engagement or attendance with the class teacher or principal.

“Schools will continue to consult with parents and carers to develop strategies to ensure all

students can access and fully participate in learning, supported by reasonable adjustments

and teaching strategies tailored to meet their individual needs.”

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