One In Five for Sunday 14 November 2010

New directions for education - or more of the same?

A shot in the arm for inclusive education or a case of a bob each way. Associate education minister Rodney Hide has released the long awaited review of Special education - 'Success for all: Every School, Every Child'. Government will make ORS funding available to another eleven hundred disabled students in mainstream classes. And there'll be extra help for 5 to 8 year olds to make the transition to school easier. Underpinning the report is an expectation that schools will become more inclusive with a target set of 80 per cent doing well by 2014. That's been welcomed by advocates of inclusive education. But they're critical of the decision to leave special schools and units in place, accusing the government of trying to have its cake and eat it too. But Rodney Hide rejects that criticism, saying in his view it's a case of horses for courses.

Maori & Pacific disabled people meet to discuss issues

Kenepuru hospital, north of Wellington, played host recently to a Maori and Pacific disability issues hui. It was a chance to hear from some of the participants and guests, all of whom shared stories and observations of poor or inappropriate services. We meet up with principal organiser, Pati Umaga as well as participants Penaia Tamarai and Shelley Karavili, and guest Bridget Robson from Te Ropu Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pomare Maori Health research centre.

Hui organiser, Pati Umaga (front, right) with some of the participants.

...And one from the 'it benefits everyone' file

They started as an aid for battle casualties and elderly people with visual impairment. Now talking books are a publishing sensation. Read more here