Disability Royal Commission final report recommends closure of ‘special schools’

Advocates have raised human rights concerns around segregating students with a disability and called for the closure of five NT schools.

Five NT schools could close over the next three decades as the nation moves towards equitable and inclusive education.

The change would directly affect hundreds of Territory kids, with 617 students currently enrolled across the five schools.

The Disability Royal Commission has published its final report and made 222 recommendations to improve legislation, policies, and practices for Australians living with a disability.

One key recommendation would see mainstream schools undergo “major reforms” to bring students with a disability into the fold of traditional classrooms.

The change would see schools that exclusively enrol students with complex support needs – conventionally known as “special schools” or non-mainstream schools – closed in the next 28 years.

The Commissioners – including 2017 NT Australian of the Year Andrea Mason OAM – said inclusive education was vital to shaping students’ self-esteem and aspirations.

“It also maximises students’ ability to gain rewarding employment, participate fully in the community and lead a fulfilling life,” they said.

“For all members of our society, education is vital to human flourishing because it facilitates social participation, employment and resilience.”

The Commissioners also found integrated education would reduce the likelihood people with disability would experience violence or be exploited.

Three of the Commissioners considered segregating people with a disability – including in the context of education – a significant human rights violation.

“When people without disability learn, socialise and experience the accommodations and supports that are provided to people with disability, it is more likely they will be active participants in creating an equal society for people with disability,” they said.

Andrea Mason OAM – the Territory’s 2017 Australian of the Year – was one of six commissioners during the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities. Picture: Tertius Pickard

The NT is home to five approved specialist schools – Acacia Hill, Forrest Parade, Henbury, Kintore Street, and Nemarluk.

Acacia Hill School and Kintore Street School take enrolments from preschool to Year 12, with the remaining three schools targeting either primary or secondary students.

An NT Department of Education spokeswoman said plans for inclusive education were already underway in the Territory.

“The Framework for Inclusion 2019-2029 focuses on furthering supports to all schools to continue building knowledge and capacity of school leaders, teachers, and support staff,” she said.

“Investing in the development of school capabilities will be achieved through a combination of ongoing professional development, coaching, professional learning communities and communities of practice, as well as comprehensive understanding of the recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission.”

Education minister Eva Lawler said the government would be reviewing the report and considering the recommendations in order to develop strategies to improve the lives of Territorians with disabilities.

“We will continue to work with NT government departments, disability stakeholders and the Australian government to ensure we are supporting people living with disability, preventing abuse, neglect and exploitation,” she said.

“Changes that are implemented will ensure that people with disability can access the supports they need to live a full and dignified life.”

Originally published as Disability Royal Commission final report recommends closure of ‘special schools’