CYP Now - Resources: Review - Rhetoric versus reality in inclusion

This accessible report, the second part of a research project examining leisure as key to the inclusion of disabled young people in society, is based on the firsthand recording of experiences of disabled young people. These accounts of exclusion contrast with policy "rhetoric" and the young people's dreams.

Since the first report, the Government's Strategy for SEN has emphasised inclusion. It concentrates on education, but has potential for out-of-school services. Schools with the promise of integrated services are being "trailblazed".

The Play Review contained a strong emphasis on including disabled children and inclusion appears in play strategies across the country. But Murray asks: "Why isn't policy resulting in greater change in practice?". And, as she reports on action planning days with service providers, "how can we make that change?".

The report explores that disability is underpinned by "two fundamentally incompatible models". Murray goes beyond the medical model placing the disabled person as "the problem" and the social model attributing "the problem" to society's attitudes.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included