Giftedness is not a disability but does require extra measures.

Giftedness is not a disability but does require extra measures.

The Human Rights Commission ruled on July 2 that giftedness is not a disability within the school system. The Commission states that these children have the right to education that fits their educational needs and learning potential. Minister Slob (primary and secondary education) must therefore take the necessary measures to secure the right to Tailored Education.

At the end of 2020, the parents of a gifted girl asked the Human Rights Commission for extra support from the school. The parents asked the Commission to check if the school acted against the law of equal treatment on disability/chronic illness. Their daughter did not get the right help. The parents said the primary school did not take their child’s giftedness into account enough. The primary school did not want to make special adjustments, like special guidance or adapted learning materials. Because of this, their daughter could not attend school for years. She had to stay at home. According to the parents, the current school system is limiting. They think giftedness should be treated as a disability. This would bring the goal of Tailored Education also for gifted children closer to reality.

No disability

The Commission had to decide if giftedness is a disability within the school system. Then the child could get certain special help. The decision is clear: According to the Commission, this is not the case. “That the school system does not fully meet the daughter’s educational needs does not mean she is completely hindered or excluded from the education that is offered.“

Support measures

Following this case, the Commission sends a clear message and recommends to outgoing Minister Slob: “Gifted children, like every other child, have the right to education that fits their needs and potential. According to the Commission, the government should take necessary measures to support gifted children.” Gifted children, like every other child, have the right to education that fits their needs and potential. This right must always be central in education policy. For this, the government must take the necessary measures that ensure support for gifted children.

No extra costs or financial barriers

The necessary measures can be actions that give teachers more time for support. This way, they can gain more specific expertise about the learning needs of this group. The Commission also finds it important that no extra costs or other financial barriers arise for support of these children.

Ouders & Onderwijs

We have long thought that schools must provide support for gifted students. No voluntary parent contribution may be asked for this. Every school and childcare must be accessible to all children with a disability or support need. Read more about this in the chapter about Tailored Education in the Staat van de Ouder of last year.

Questions?

If you have questions about this news, look at our information page about giftedness. You can also contact our Advice Desk. We are ready to help you. Send an email to: vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or call us on weekdays at 088-6050101.