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Proceeding contribution from John Bercow (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Friday, 15 May 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Special Educational Needs and Disability (Support) Bill.


Special Educational Needs and Disability (Support) Bill

The hon. Lady is making a racy and intoxicating speech, which I am richly enjoying. As she knows because we co-operate on many matters, I very often agree with her, and I absolutely agree with her on this matter. May I put it to her that this is analogous to many other things in life? I was horrified by that narrow-minded and rather bigoted reaction from some parent viewers. If one keeps something in the closet, that implies that it is something that is somehow inferior, something of which to be ashamed and something that should not be allowed to be discussed in polite company. The opposite is in fact true; we should bring it out into the open and let children come to be aware that it is part of life. It is something to be accepted and welcomed, and the people who suffer from disabilities are just like the rest of us. We want to be their friends and to enjoy life with them, not to regard them as somehow some sort of oddity.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
492 c1125-6 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Disability Children Classroom assistants Autism Inspections Discrimination Dyslexia Pupil exclusions Staff Standards Schools Teachers Special educational needs Training
Legislation
Special Educational Needs and Disability (Support) Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk