Can people with disabilities become teachers?

National conference in Dublin says yes, they can!

Full Press Release can be downloaded here.

A number of barriers face people with disabilities who wish to enter teacher training courses in Ireland. These barriers include stereotypical attitudes and concerns about fitness to practice and maintaining robust standards of care as well as the use of assistive technology in the classroom.

Because of these barriers, it is almost unheard of to have a teacher with a disability in front of a classroom. As a result, schools are missing out the benefits that teachers with disabilities can bring to the table, such as new ways of learning and the use of technology in the classroom. Perhaps the most important benefit is that they provide a positive role model to children about disability and diversity.

Speaking thisThursday in Dublin Castle at the AHEAD Conference entitled ‘Opening Access to Teacher Education & Practice for Students with Disabilities’, Minister for Education & Skills, Ruairi Quinn T.D. will open the conference with a pre-recorded video message saying:

Good educational outcomes depend on the quality of teachers and the quality of teaching and students with disabilities will bring huge benefits to the profession

Ann Heelan, Executive Director of AHEAD says:

The world of teaching is changing and the profession must evolve with these changes. Opening teacher education to people with disabilities can only enrich the learning experience for all involved.

Over 100 key decision makers in the world of education will attend the conference.