Bullying, barriers, exclusion often part of the curriculum for students with disabilities

December 2, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Human Rights Commission

One in ten students with disabilities will choose to end their education early because of their disability.  This is just one of the findings shared by the Canadian Human Rights Commission for the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, December 3rd.  This finding is part of a soon-to-be-released national study on Canadian high school, college and university students with disabilities.

“In a knowledge-based economy, where education is paramount, it is shocking that still today so many students with disabilities end their education because of the sheer difficulty they experience in getting an education,” said Chief Commissioner, Marie-Claude Landry.  “How can our society support all students in realizing their full potential when getting an education is a daily battle against social exclusion, avoidance and bullying?” 

The study also found that students with disabilities are sometimes denied the institutional support, funding, programs and infrastructure required to access and benefit from the same quality of education as their fellow students. Students with disabilities report taking fewer courses or quitting school altogether because of their disability.

“On the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, it is so important that we recognize these challenges and the remarkable accomplishments of all students with disabilities, who, every day, go above and beyond to access the education that so many of us take for granted,” added the Chief Commissioner.   “We have a responsibility to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn in a safe and inclusive environment – anything less deserves a failing grade.”  

The Commission’s report is a compilation of data, including consultations with expert organizations, including provincial and territorial human rights commissions, from across Canada.  It will be released in 2017.

Quick Facts

Bullying - 27% of Canadian high school, college and university students with a disability are being bullied because of their disability.

Exclusion - 35% of students with disabilities in Canada report being avoided or excluded at school because of their disability.

Taking fewer courses - 37% of students with disabilities in Canada are taking fewer courses because of their disability. 

Quitting - 11% of students with disabilities are choosing to end their education early because of their disability.

Quotes

“In a knowledge-based economy, where education is paramount, it is shocking that still today so many students with disabilities end their education because of the sheer difficulty they experience in getting an education.”

–  Marie-Claude Landry, Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission

 
“How can our society support all students in realizing their full potential when getting an education is a daily battle against social exclusion, avoidance and bullying?”

–  Marie-Claude Landry, Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission

 
“On International Day for Persons with Disabilities, it is so important that we recognize these challenges and the remarkable accomplishments of all students with disabilities, who, every day, go above and beyond to access the education that so many of us take for granted.” 

–  Marie-Claude Landry, Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission

 
“We have a responsibility to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn in a safe and inclusive environment – anything less deserves a failing grade.”

–  Marie-Claude Landry, Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission

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