| Abstract: | A conference, organised by the National Womens Advisory Council for women who had given birth to a disabled child, was attended by 150 participants from throughout Australia. The major issues and recommendations relevant to special education are presented in this paper. Issues included the need for accurate and honest information, particularly at birth or diagnosis, as well as the importance of sensitivity, and of skill in counselling, in all professional and community workers at all times. More comprehensive provisions in pre‐school, school and continuing educational services were requested and Governments were asked to look carefully at many problem areas, such as adequate financial support, accessible and cheap transport and the need to establish a ministry for the disabled. Everyone concerned with educational services should become advocates for the disabled and their families, particularly to improve community attitudes towards and services for the disabled. |
