Criteria 1: To create an environment which is accessible to all.
An inclusive setting needs to accommodate for all users, it needs to create an environment which is accessible. A survey compiled by Burgess (2003) found that 70% of wheelchair users are missing classes because of the difficulties getting around school. Many disabled people require large pieces of equipment to assist them. However, some establishments struggle with space to accommodate for the equipment.
Although Bannockburn (DVD 2) embraces an affirmation perspective by recognising and accepting disabled pupils, for example, The Headteacher quotes ‘The school has …show more content…
Yet, the science area fails to meet the same standards. There is insufficient space for wheelchairs to move around, the science teacher commented about these issues ‘There are issues I find problematic in terms of practical work… the room is very tight and does limit their manoeuvrability and taking part in the lesson… there isn’t a disabled sink and wheelchair users can’t access certain equipment because of that’.
This raise the question ‘Does Bannockburn meet my criteria?’ To some extent yes, but there are barriers that exclude pupils. The absence of space and disabled equipment in classrooms limit disabled users physical access.
Udvari and Thousand (1995) asks ‘can changes be made in the classroom environment or lesson location that will facilitate participation.’ I wonder, when the school was refurbished, why didn’t Stirling Council provide better disabled facilities, especially in a school that proudly accepts disabled