Artefact 1.

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A letter of advocacy written on behalf of a student with a disability

Dear Principal,

I am writing on behalf of Abda Hari, who I have been caring for since his arrival in
Australia as a refugee two years ago. Abda has been through many trials including poverty
and war. However, he demonstrates perseverance and resilience which shows his inner
strength. He is energetic and creative. He absolutely loves to build and make objects.
However, he is still learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) and has been formerly
diagnosed with Low Self-esteem and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of
what he has experienced. This means that Abda can become distressed and withdrawn at
different times (Walser & Westrup, 2007). With what schools know about inclusive practice
and social justice I would like to outline some reasons for you to reconsider your decision to
refuse Abda access to your school community.

Inclusion is "based on the fundamental belief that everyone should learn, grow, and
work with other of similar and diverse backgrounds in mainstream environments" (Lim &
Tan, 2004 as cited in Soontornwipst, 2012, p155). Having an inclusive approach means that
all students needs are catered for within their school environment no matter their
background or differing abilities (Foreman & Kelly, 2014). A principle of inclusion is
normalisation, this suggests that all students are able to have a chance to learn within a
least restrictive environment (Crockett & Kauffman, 2013). Petrescue (2013) suggests that
by having an inclusive classroom you are not only benefiting the child with disability but all
children in the classroom, giving them a higher long-term potential. I understand that
Abda's lack of English may be a concern to you, however, I know that by being placed in a
classroom with English speaking students he will engage with English in a quicker more
fluent way (Williams, 2016). While Abda does have mental illness, Forman and Kelly (2014)
suggest that working collaboratively with other professionals is the best way to support him
throughout his time at school. I will be willing to work with you in ensuring that this process
happens in a successful manner.

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 The National Safe Schools Framework (NSSF) 2010 is a document provided by the
government to ensure that schools are inclusive for all students. A main part of this outlines
that there is "a focus on student wellbeing and student ownership" (Ministerial Council on
Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs [MCEECDYA], 2010, p9). Allowing
Abda to be in your school will help him feel encouraged and provide him with a sense of
purpose, this is likely to help him emotionally but also academically (McLesky and Waldron,
2010). The document also outlines there is a focus on teaching social and emotional skills
(MCEECDYA, 2010). As this has been lacking during his childhood, I know that this in itself
will help Abda to reach his full potential. While this may take some time, I know that Abda
will thrive given a supportive school environment.

Over the past decade, schooling has shifted to have an emphasis of the value of
students. No longer is it about just teaching students information but also teaching and
demonstrating wellbeing and values (Lovatt & Toomey, 2007). This has been outlined in the
"National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools" (Commonwealth of
Australia [CA], 2005). There are nine values outlined in this document, two of which I would
like to draw your attention to. It highlights the need for 'care and compassion' I believe to
demonstrate this, it is imperative that you choose to take on Abda despite the challenges
that he faces. I am asking that you show Abda care and compassion in his traumatic
childhood, growing up in war, becoming a refugee and losing his parents this is something
he has not been able to experience. In addition, it outlines the value of 'Understanding,
Tolerance and Inclusion' that is to be "aware of others cultures and accept diversity" (CA,
2005, p.4). Including Abda will not only be of benefit to him but also his classmates as
inclusive schools helps other students become "just and non-discriminatory" (United
Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, 2009, p9).

Social justice is defined as "a belief system that is based on equity, human rights and
fairness to all" (Foreman & Kelly, 2014, p10). Furthermore, at the very heart of Social Justice
is the sense that “every child grows up experiencing the optimum levels of wellbeing”
(Chapman & Burnham, 2009, p29). Therefore, every child has a right to have a positive
quality of life and access to education (Shriberg, et al., 2008). At this time, Abda is not
receiving this which is reflected in his struggles with Low Self-esteem and PTSD. However, I

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believe by choosing to take Abda on and giving him an environment in which he can thrive,
these will become less of an issue in his daily life. This also reflects the heart of Catholic
Social Teaching principles which state the importance of the human dignity (Massoro &
Massoro, 2008). That is seeing every person no matter their additional needs as a person
that is equal and has rights, especially to schooling.

The Disability Standards for Education Act 2005 states that an " [education
institution] must not discriminate against a person..on the grounds of disability" (CA, p.
35). Equal Opportunity Act 2010 defines disability as a "mental or psychological disease or
disorder" (Legislation Victoria, 2010). The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 also states in section
38 that discrimination cannot take place when choosing a student by denying them access
to an educational institution (Legislation Victoria, 2010 p. 35). The Australian Human Rights
Commission (2016) also states that children have the right "to be treated fairly and to a
good education" (p. 4). I will be more than happy to assist you in making the arrangements
required to allow Abda into the school.

I am sure you can see that Abda is a delightful child with so much potential. I strongly
believe by allowing Abda and opportunity to be educated in your school, you will grow his
sense of self and be the support that he needs to thrive. I will be willing to assist the
teachers that work with Abda to ensure they feel educated and valued when working with
him. In including Abda in your school you will be providing him with the opportunity to
learn, while giving other students the chance to learn about diversity and compassion. I
know you will not regret accepting Abda in your school community.

Regards,

Victoria Sanders
(Abda Hari's Guardian)

Word Count: 1073

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