A rally is taking place on Saturday calling for new legislation to protect post-19 special educational needs (SEN) pupils in the north.
Caleb’s Cause campaign was launched earlier this year by Co Antrim mother-of-three Alma White whose 16-year-old son Caleb has complex special needs.
She said many are unaware that a statement of educational needs stops at 19 and there is nothing to replace it, unlike in the UK where support continues until 25 years of age.
“Post-19 provision is very limited, and without legislation we face a very steep cliff-edge drop in opportunities for our young people with disabilities once they leave school.
“Mainstream pupils have access to university and further education courses, depending on their preference and academic ability. One of my daughters received her A level results recently and she has a clear pathway of options before her. Sadly the most vulnerable in society, like my son Caleb, don’t have that privilege.”
The rally on Saturday in Derry follows on from a protest by other parents and supporters at the steps of Stormont last month.
Ms White said she intends to highlight the campaign right across the north and intends to visit other towns as part of the campaign.
Thank you all for making us smile, for all the ways you support what we do. #CalebsCauseNI how cld I leave you all? 🤣 so I guess we will stay on here 😉 https://t.co/78fqbOOv7Y pic.twitter.com/K4YJDrceGR
— Alma White (@CalebsCauseNI) August 14, 2024
The classroom assistant said young adults with complex needs and their families are being denied statutory services once they leave school and treated as if they are invisible.
“Charities such as Orchardville, NOW and Stepping Stones try to fill the gap, but unfortunately they can’t meet demand. This is only going to get worse as the years go on and the number of young people with needs increases.”
The most recent independent review of education published in December 2023 says that no change is likely to happen unless legislation is put in place.
An online petition calling for legislation has so far gathered more than 8,000 signatures.
A rally for Caleb’s Cause will be held at the Guildhall in Derry on Saturday 17 August from 12pm-2pm.
