ASBAH's vision is a future where everyone with spina bifida or hydrocephalus can get the most out of life. All children and young people with hydrocephalus or spina bifida have a right to equal educational opportunities, to be educated within a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, with appropriate educational provision, enabling these children to realise their full potential. We believe that all pupils with special educational needs should have their needs met and that parents have a vital role to play in supporting their child's education. Education for those with disabilities or special educational needs should be a lifelong process with continuing opportunities to progress.
ASBAH believes that pupils should be fully included in mainstream schools, unless it is against the wishes of the parents or the child. Each child should have an individual assessment of need. Mainstream schools must be adequately resourced and properly equipped for inclusion of disabled children.
To achieve these aims ASBAH will:
Encourage schools, colleges, universities and Local Education Authorities to demonstrate good practice by having due regard to Codes of Practice and Government Guidelines relating to special educational needs and disability policies;
Develop and encourage strong partnerships between parents, schools, Local Education Authorities, health, social and voluntary agencies;
Listen to children's views;
Provide information and advice to parents of pre-school pupils with hydrocephalus or spina bifida and encourage the use of early intervention strategies;
Provide information and advice to families on the special educational needs system, including assessment and statementing procedures and the prescribed time limits, so that they can secure provision that is quantified, specified and regularly reviewed;
Support and empower parents during times of transfer, such as from primary to secondary school or into further/higher education, so that parents and young people can make informed choices and help secure the best possible education provision;
Provide information and advice to teaching and support staff on effective strategies to meet all the needs of pupils in educational settings including education, pastoral and medical needs;
Take part in relevant Government consultations to influence policy and legislation.
