Exclusion at School

D07 6

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Abstract

The rights of children and young people who are disabled to attend their local neighbourhood school have been protected in law in New Zealand since 1989. This legislation, along with human rights and social justice arguments have gone some way towards creating a more inclusive education system in New Zealand. However, despite these shifts, children and young people who are disabled continue to experience exclusionary forces working against their active participation in school. This paper tells the stories of children and young people who have experienced exclusion and marginalisation within school and attempts to make explicit, some of those deep-seated interests and beliefs, policies and practices which support and legitimise the exclusion and marginalisation of some students.