Education plan criticised for overlooking sign language and disability

A draft government education plan has been criticised for giving too little attention to students who use Icelandic Sign Language and to the needs of disabled students. Mbl.is reported that 20 submissions had been filed in the consultation on the plan, which covers the next four years.

The consultation deadline was October 26 for comments on the Ministry of Education and Children’s draft proposal for the government’s third action plan under its education policy to 2030. Submissions also called for a clearer focus on adult education, lifelong learning and educational and career counselling, and said reforms should be based on research and cooperation between those involved in policy-making and implementation.

The Icelandic Sign Language Committee said the current education policy does not address the education of children whose first languages are Icelandic Sign Language and Icelandic, and that no measure in the existing action plan is directed at them. The committee said this conflicts with the policy’s goal of equal opportunities for learning and development without discrimination.

The Icelandic Association of the Deaf also said the draft gives almost no visibility to Icelandic Sign Language or to the needs of children and young people who rely on it for learning and communication. The association stressed that Icelandic Sign Language is an independent language, not a special provision.

ÖBÍ, a disability rights organisation, supported the draft’s goals of building a strong, fair and inclusive education system, but said they must be more clearly linked to implementation, funding and the circumstances of disabled students. It called for access, support and participation to be included across relevant measures, with clear responsibilities, service standards and response times. It also said costs and necessary funding should be assessed, and outcomes measured through students’ progress, access, wellbeing, independence and participation.

ÖBÍ called for itself and other organisations representing disabled people to become formal partners in developing and monitoring relevant measures.

The National Association of Intellectual Disabilities said the plan does not sufficiently address the right of disabled people to education, particularly for children, young people and adults with intellectual disabilities or autism. It asked to meet the Ministry of Education and Children to discuss the draft in relation to the circumstances, needs and rights of disabled people.