Disabled schoolboy wins right to guitar lessons

UK news story by Stephen Naysmith: A disabled schoolboy has won a landmark ruling that he can take part in after-school guitar classes after he was refused permission because of his condition. Thousands of other youngsters with disabilities are expected to benefit following the ruling in the discrimination case against South Lanarkshire Council. 

Thomas Pettigrew, 10, a pupil at St Hilary's Primary School in East Kilbride, had a guitar bought for him by his parents so he could take part in the sessions, and they asked the local authority to provide him with additional support, including for assistance in using the toilet and other personal care and moving and holding his guitar. Thomas, who has several chronic conditions that have a significant effect on his ability to carry out normal daily activities, needs help to adjust his guitar, take it in and out of its case, and turn the sheet music. However, he can hold and play the instrument and use large-print music sheets. 

South Lanarkshire refused the Pettigrews' request, claiming sufficient support was in place. An additional support needs tribunal ruled it should not have denied Thomas the chance to participate. The case, the first of its kind in Scotland, has been welcomed by human rights campaigners for establishing that inclusion should not "end with the school bell" and that extra-curricular activities are covered by equalities laws. 

The Equality Act requires schools to make reasonable adjustments to avoid substantial disadvantage to any disabled pupil. 

Due to additional support already provided by South Lanarkshire Council, Thomas has been able to take part fully in the school curriculum, and some extra-curricular activities such as a trip to the theatre. In finding South Lanarkshire had unlawfully discriminated against Thomas because of his disability, the tribunal considered guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission on making reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils.

They found it had not met the duty to make reasonable adjustments and that Thomas was "substantially disadvantaged" from engaging in the club, adding: "His health and safety is compromised as a result. His additional support needs are not met.

This is an extract from a story in Herald Scotland of 15th June, 2013. The full story is here.