The ASTI has called for a meeting with the Minister for Education and Science to discuss the needs and rights of second-level students with disabilities. The union is "extremely concerned about the slow pace of progress" in implementing the recommendations of the 1993 Special Education Review Committee.

"The lack of support services is one of the greatest barriers to the participation of students with disabilities in second-level education," according to an ASTI document sent to the Department last week.

Bernie O'Reilly, who represents children with physical disabilities on the National Parents' Council (Post Primary), says that parents want the right to choose where they send their children to school. "Parents don't know what options are open to them," she says. "They are fighting their own individual battles. There are no guidelines for them."

The ASTI document says that the needs of these students must be addressed through a range of measures including legislation which it describes as "a critical element".

The union wants the Minister to address the lack of support services in particular, which it describes as "one of the greatest barriers" to disabled students participating at second level. "The current lack of clarity regarding who provides support services results in frustration, delay and hardship for students, teachers and parents," it says. It criticises also the lack of progress on advice and assessment services, specialist teachers, educational staff, equipment for schools, speech therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

The ASTI believes that the educational needs of students with serious disabilities should be catered for by a nationwide network of designated schools with specialist facilities, staffing and supports. However, says O'Reilly, this would not be welcomed by parents of children with disabilities. "They would be totally against that, because this could take the students out of their own area and environment."

Her son, Damien (18), who is severely physically disabled, attends St Clare's College, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan. She has only praise for the staff and principal - "it's working absolutely brilliantly. I'm not saying we haven't had mountains to climb but it can work and it does work."

According to the Minister, the new Education Bill which is currently going through the Oireachtas, underpins equality of access to education in primary and second-level schools. According to a Dail response from the Minister in December, "the issue of access to education for people with disabilities will also be addressed in legislation relating to equal status" which is to be published next year by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.