Starting school can be both nerve-wracking and exciting for many parents and children. It marks the beginning of a new stage of being away from home. If your child has a physical impairment (permanent or temporary), this time in you and your child’s lives can seem all the more difficult. However, with enough research and consultation before their first day, most fears can be dealt with.
Access
In Ireland, it is a legal requirement that all children should be provided with equal access to attend school regardless of any disability. If a school doesn’t have the necessary facilities to accommodate a child who is physically impaired, they must where possible make all necessary adjustments so the student may attend the school.
Research
The key to a smooth transition is to research well in advance. Check out all local schools available to you and see what facilities, support services and experience they have in accommodating your child’s special needs.
School consultation
Arrange to visit the school so you can see the facilities for yourself. Talk to the principal and teachers and discuss your child’s specific needs. It’s a good idea to do this as early as possible so that there is plenty of time for any adjustment to be made and for the staff to have a full idea of what will be required in terms of facilities, support and learning.
Short term mobility issues
Another issue may be that your child has a short term impairment, such as a broken leg. Although in the grand scheme of things, a few weeks isn’t a long time to deal with reduced mobility, it's a long time for your child to have to struggle with access in the school or with the educational program. It can also be difficult, if you have not had time to research how the school will be able to deal with access issues.
Firstly, ensure you get a clear picture from your child’s health professional (whether that be the GP, physiotherapist or other specialist) about what will be required over the course of their recovery, including physical needs, rehabilitation time requirements and your child’s capability to complete all of their schooling requirements. A health professional can give you some advice on what you will need to discuss with the school.
Once you have all the necessary information, you can meet with the school principal and/or teachers to discuss what will be required in terms of access, adjusted learning and any time out of school that will need to be facilitated.
Inclusiveness
Remember, the goal of our school should be to value and celebrate diversity in students. Your goal as a parent is to research schools to make sure that the one you choose can respond in a positive, constructive and inclusive way.
