John Kenworthy, a clinical psychologist, and Joe Whittaker, a higher education lecturer, face prison sentences in their fight to win mainstream school places for two children with special educational needs. The two have refused to pay fines imposed after they held a sit-in at the Lancashire County Council’s offices in Preston. Their protest on behalf of Niki Crane, 12, and Zak Lewis, 9, is part of a growing movement for more integration in education. A national network of parents’ groups has grown up and many families are now resisting local authorities decisions to send their children to special schools.
The Independent, August 5, 1995.

Helen Garrod becomes the first wheelchair user to the join the National Union of Students (NUS) national executive committee. She was elected at an NUS conference and has been given primary responsibility to develop the union’s work for disabled students. Helen says there has been a change in attitude to disability issues in the NUS with a new focus on civil rights and access. A Nottingham students union spokesperson where Helen attended university, said: “Helen is very dedicated and enthusiastic. She will do a fine job fighting for the rights of disabled people.”
Disability Now, August 1995.

Northumberland County Council is planning a specialist centre for up to 30 youngsters who have been expelled or are at risk of being expelled from school because of bad behaviour. The idea is that 11 to 16-year-olds would be given help in a bid to improve their behaviour and return them to the classroom. It is envisaged that outdoor pursuits, community activities, the development of techniques to control behaviour and counselling sessions would all be available at the centre. The plan is a part of a package of measures to tackle the number of children being expelled from school which also includes setting up a mainstream behaviour support team.
The Journal, Newcastle, August 9, 1995.

Seventeen-year-old Mared Jones of Wrexham is hailed as a torch bearer for other children with Down’s Syndrome after gaining eight GCSE passes in her chosen subjects. Dr. Eric Nicholas, a member of the Down’s Syndrome Association National Education Committee said: “She has shown what is possible given the right conditions, a lot of hard work, support, a positive attitude from the school and the parents and a willingness to accept the child first and foremost as a child and not a child with Down’s Syndrome. Mared is one of a cohort of Down’s Syndrome who have come through mainstream schools, thanks to the 1981 Education Act, despite the opposition of some people who did not want them there”.
Daily Post, Liverpool, August 28, 1995.