My DD has a rare genetic condition, and currently attends an early intervention program at our local ECDP. I am 100% for inclusion, but only where feasible. I have not considered for one second sending my dd to mainstream school, because realistically its a bad idea for everyone (her,the teacher,the other students). Her prep class will be 6 or 7 kids with similar abilities with a teacher and a teacher aide. I could never leave her in a class of 20 or so kids.....in saying that, I'm definitely in the minority of parents 'happy' to send my kid to special school. She needs help toileting,is non verbal,needs help eating and cannot walk. Our short term goals are for her to learn these things.

I have heard of some parents being knocked back from special schools and being forced into mainstream schooling with some special ed time, even if they didn't feel it was the right choice. Whereas a mainstream schools cannot tell you that they can't handle having your child there. When they cut funding for the prep program from where dd is now we took it to the disabilities minister with other parents and education qld she told me repeatedly dd would be welcomed into any local primary school. How on earth is that fair on her or the teacher (or my stress levels lol) . I did however see bullying of disabled kids when I was younger, nothing serious, and not until older. Little kids are generally awesome with dd and very inquisitive about things, and love having someone different around