The study focuses on the impacts of Disability Royal Commission Inquiry, which took place between 2020-2023.
“The inquiry was triggered by public concern about systemic human rights violations often affecting children and young people with disability in school,” Dr Armstrong explains.
“Despite Australia being legally committed to helping this disadvantaged group succeed though inclusive education, progress has been slow.”
“Parents of affected students report shocking instances of discrimination or educational failure and increasing numbers of parents have withdrawn their child from school in response,” he says.
Dr Armstrong’s paper assesses the impacts of the inquiry and its failure to change the policy landscape in Australia.
“Policies often failed because they were fragmented, lacked strong oversight, or did not sufficiently involve people with disabilities in decision-making. Government resistance to the inquiry also undermined its operation and recommendations.”
“Ultimately, this research uncovers the likely failure of the inquiry to address systemic human rights violations often affecting children and young people with disability in school.”
He hopes his research will provoke a national conversation about 'where now' for the future of inclusive education in Australia.
“The next step is to work with state governments and schools to help them explore how they can implement specific recommendations from the inquiry as best-practice in schools.
“I also welcome support for future research that supports a more inclusive and equitable school system in Australia.”
