School of Sociology and Social Policy

The Future of Inclusive Education: Future Bright or Future in Crisis?

02 April 2012 | 9.30am to 4.30pm | Conference

Weetwood Hall Hotel & Conference Centre, University of Leeds, Otley Rd, Leeds, LS16 5PS

The Centre for Disability Studies, University of Leeds invites you to attend a one-day conference to debate the future of Inclusive Education in the UK.

In 2011 the new Government in the UK announced its desire to ‘remove the bias towards inclusion’. This has sparked fears for the future of inclusive education in the UK.

Here at the Centre for Disability Studies, University of Leeds, we believe that now is the time to bring together all those who are committed to the ideal of inclusive education, to take stock of progress to date here in the UK, celebrate the successes, highlight the challenges/barriers, share our fears for the future and unite in our hopes and aspirations.

It is time for a new Manifesto for Inclusive Education! And we need to write this together!

Guest speakers will include young disabled people and their parents, Tara Flood (leading activist and Director of the Alliance for Inclusive Education), Sally French (celebrated author, lecturer and special school survivor) and Prof. Len Barton (Emeritus Professor of Inclusive Education, University of London and leading academic in the field).

There will be a short performance from Musical ARC, a group that runs workshops for schools with the aim of breaking down barriers and challenging perceptions about disability, whilst creating music.

Delegates will be invited to take part in workshop activities during the afternoon, to share their views/thoughts about inclusive education.

If you would like to attend this event then please contact Marie Johnson(m.b.johnson@leeds.ac.uk or tel: 0113 343 4407) to book your place.

Please note: the venue is fully accessible. Please book early to ensure a place – these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

REGISTRATION FEE: £50 to waged; and free for unwaged delegates.