Planning to Improve Access to Education for pupils with
Sensory Impairment.
Council Policies and Implementation

Presented in January, 2004

The Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils’ Educational Records) (Scotland) Act 2002

Abbie Maxwell

January 2004

What prompted the legislation?

• Special Education & Disability Act 2001
• Disability Rights Task Force 1999
• Disability Discrimination Act 1995

What is an Accessibility Strategy?

• Strategic long-term planning document
• For all education authority, independent and grant-aided schools
• First strategy by April 1st 2003
• 3 year planning cycles

What are the 3 Duties?

• Access to the physical environment
• Access to the curriculum
• Access to school information

What practical improvements can be made?

• Adapting teaching materials
• Raising awareness amongst staff and pupils
• Adapting classroom layout

What funding is available?

• Accessibility Strategies £9m,17m,17m
• Inclusion Programme £20m,25m,25m
• Staff training £8.4m p.a.
• Capital resources

What is the wider policy context?

• Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000
• Disability Discrimination Act 1995
• Additional Support for Learning Bill

Planning to Improve Access