Thursday 28 August 2008
Michaela wins discrimination settlement
Michaela was due to study her chosen A-levels at school until she was told that she would have to undergo a lengthy assessment procedure through the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) for admission to the school. Michaela and her parents believed that if she did not have a disability, she would have been immediately accepted.
As a Trailblazer, Michaela knew the power of campaigning and together with the support of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, she approached the Equality Commission to help challenge the SEELB’s failure to facilitate Michaela’s transfer to A-level education.
The case was taken with the support of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and the Equality Commission against the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB).
The SEELB is now ensuring A-level Chemistry teaching and the appropriate facilities will be available for Michaela at her school from September 2008.
Michaela said:
I am so glad that this has been settled and now I’m looking forward to starting the Chemistry course. My mum and dad have pushed really hard to help me fulfill my ambitions, and I am just so grateful to them.
I wouldn’t want this to happen to any other student, and now I will be giving 100% to the Chemistry A-level and then seeking a place at university.
Commenting on the case, Robert Meadowcroft, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said:
We are delighted with the outcome of Michaela’s case. It is only right that she is given the same chance as any one else her age to fulfil her ambitions of going to university, without barriers on the way.
When Michaela came to us last September explaining the problems she was facing, we approached the Equality Commission and are pleased that the matter has now been resolved. However, it is unacceptable that disabled students should have to go to these lengths just to be able to study the subjects they choose.
