“Currently, we have 17 AESH (accompanying students with disabilities, Editor’s note) for 48 children with motor and cognitive disabilities educated in the Ulis system – localized units for educational inclusion. At Henri-Bosco college alone, we are missing ten AESH in class, plus six on meridian time to help the children eat or go to the toilet.”reports Cécile Malclès, professor of history and geography.
“We lack resources”
The establishment also welcomes students with disabilities who are educated in an ordinary environment. The teaching staff thus alerts “children who cannot be included in class because they do not have an adult to accompany them” on a daily basis. “I understand the need to make savings in the current context, but we are seriously lacking in human resources to apply the 2005 law (on equal rights and opportunities, participation and citizenship of people with disabilities, Editor’s note) “adds Cécile Malclès. “In the current framework of the law on inclusive education, considerable resources are required. The idea is laudable but the resources are not up to the task”continues Olivier Gerard.
Two new hires
The representative of the National Union of National Education Unions CGT Educ’Action Var also denounces “the lack of places in medical-educational institutes, where children would be better supported”. Following the announcement of this mobilization, two AESH were appointed. “It’s an improvement but it’s not enough to accommodate these students with disabilities in good conditions”warn the teachers on site. “To put it bluntly: due to a lack of AESH, we cannot always accompany students to the toilet, who may have to hold back… and sometimes fall on each other!”
