Hope For Children Suffering Significant Learning Difficulties
In a moment almost unprecedented in the history of Parliament, the Rev Fred Nile, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, has had the ‘Education Amendment (Educational Support for Children with Significant Learning Difficulties) Bill 2008' introduced and unanimously passed within one sitting day of the NSW Upper House.
"In 1992 the United Nations began promoting the ‘International Day of Disabled Persons' to be observed on December 3rd 2008, a day that aims to promote the ‘full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities'.
The significance of the occasion could not have been more poignantly apt when it was on this day, that the NSW Upper House unanimously passed the ‘Education Amendment (Educational Support for Children with Significant Learning Difficulties) Bill 2008'", said Rev Fred Nile.
"The United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 23 states, ‘any child with a disability should have access to, and receive, an education in a manner conducive to achieving the fullest possible social integration and individual development.' According to the International Dyslexia Association, approximately 12% of the population are hindered in this endeavour due to significant learning difficulties such as Dyslexia.
To date, NSW Government school children suffering significant learning difficulties had not always received appropriate assistance within the NSW Department of Education and Training's ‘Learning Assistance Program'. In some cases, children suffering from these learning difficulties required specialised care.
To help remedy this situation, we consulted widely and drafted legislation in early 2007 with the intent to provide the care required by these children. Almost two years later, the dream has finally been realised. The passage of this important legislation will not only enable provision of special or additional assistance for government school children with dyslexia but all government school children suffering significant learning difficulties.
I pray the passing of this legislation will come as welcome news just prior Christmas for the many families throughout NSW who often feel they suffer in silence, shadowed by the burden of conditions like Dyslexia and Autism. May this give them hope for better days ahead.
I thank my fellow members of Parliament, the State Government and Opposition for their support on this important legislation. I wish to offer a special thanks to all parents who have contacted my office over the past 2 years, the advice and counsel of Professor Max Coltheart, Dr Pye Twadell, Dr Paul Whiting and Mr Jim Bond for his tireless efforts over 20 years in the cause of those so-suffering", Rev Nile stated.