*Puts hand up* I used to suffer from learning difficulties which i still do have (can't learn and understand very long words) and i used to be a heavy stutterer (which can be classed as a disability.... technally) but i got over that but every now and then i stutter a bit but i think its not a big deal now
Anyway, I think they should be alowed a place at a school BUT they should have special rules that makes sure that the disabled kids arn't put down by stupid bullys about there problems as it would make them feel insecure and.... well.... alone.
there is a differnce between a stutter and something like autism.
sure - many disabilities are such that they won't stop someone integrating in at least some form in a mainstream school.
there are others where the needs of the individual are far too complex or demanding to be possible to cater for in a regular school. it can be difficult for us to teach to a level that is suitbale for them - even for those with the correct training and experience - as every case will be different.
is it fair for those kids to try and manage in a class full of other kids? no.
is it fair for the other kids to have the disruption this would bring (not just behavioural, but time and resource)? no.
is it fair for non-specialist staff, both teaching and non-teaching, to have to manage these pupils? no.
is it better to have fully trained and dedicated staff to help kids with these severe disabilites? yes.
is it better for these dedicated staff to have a dedicated facility? yes.
however, i will say this. although i am a great advocate for specialist schooling - i am generally against the current comprehensive school model anyway.
footnote: for those that don't know - i am a teacher in a mid-size comprehensive secondary in a local authority which prides itself on a (sh!te) inclusion policy........ i deal with this stuff everyday - unlike most of you.