Children with disability : rights, risks and opportunities

This chapter introduces important issues relating to children with disability and is primarily focused on the Australian context. The first section explains the concept of disability, types of disability, and the prevalence of childhood disability in Australia. The second section sets out human rights frameworks that enshrine the rights of children with disability and then describes key national policies that translate these rights into actions. The third section of the chapter outlines current research on social inclusion and considers environmental risks and opportunities with a focus on social interactions at home and school.