'DYS'-CRIMINATION MUST END - LIZ LYNNE

11.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 27th Sep 2007

More than 10% of children are affected by 'dys' problems such as dysphasia, dyslexia, dyscalculia and others. But this type of 'dys' ability, which badly impairs communication from a very early age, needs early intensive treatment to avoid exclusion later in life, according to West Midlands LibDem MEP Liz Lynne.

Often however, 'dys' problems are not spotted until too late and undiagnosed and untreated 'dys' children are subjected to bullying and discrimination. How to tackle these issues across Europe, through collating of evidence, earlier diagnosis and treatment, exchange of best practice and a European Charter on 'dys'-conditions, was the subject of a debate last night in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Speaking in the debate Liz Lynne, Vice-President of the European Parliament's Disability Intergroup, said:

"It is estimated that there are approximately 49 million people with some form or 'dys' ability within the EU. As many as 10% of children are affected by a "dys"- type disability such as dysphasia, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia or attention deficit disorder.

"Take the case of Sean in the UK. The teacher's report described him as stupid, awkward, disruptive and over-emotional. Because of his problem he was marginalised and bullied by fellow pupils and teachers did little to intervene.

"Sean's parents were eventually forced to withdraw him from school after he arrived home badly beaten and bloodied. But the local education authority refused to provide tutoring or assistance - so education was left to his parents, one of whom was forced to give up work.

"Thankfully a local support group was to hand and offered help to Sean and his parents, but other children in the UK and in other Member States are not so lucky.

"We must exchange best practice across the EU and this is where the Council and Commission have an important role to play. Information must be made more available.

"Steps must be taken to spot, screen, diagnose and treat these disorders at an early stage.

"Structures must be adapted to integrate young people with disabilities into the world of work.

"It is important that a European charter for people with 'dys' problems is drawn up. It is also vital that research under the 7th framework programme is increased.

"Information, education and training are the key to integration. I have always said that Member States should work towards including children in mainstream education wherever possible, but, at the same time, recognising that some children may not thrive in that atmosphere, especially if there is no proper back-up.

"Children's needs must come first. There is no point in paying lip service to disabled people's rights.

"We have to continue the fight to ensure that individuals like Sean are treated equally and given the help and support they deserve