President stirs controversy with statements about handicapped

President Miloš Zeman has stirred controversy by stating he is against inclusive education - the teaching of physically handicapped and non-handicapped pupils together in classrooms in elementary school. The head-of-state made the comments while visiting a rehabilitation facility in Brandýs nad Orlicí. His view, the Czech News Agency noted, goes against an ever-growing trend in the Czech Republic for students with special needs to be taught togeher with non-handicapped children. The president’s comment drew strong criticism from Václav Krása, the head of the National Disability Council, who said the president was contradicting both Czech and international law. Mr Krasa said such statements led to segregation. The president was also critised by the country's Ombudswoman Anna Šabatová, who called his words "unacceptable". Education Minister Marcel Chládek said, meanwhile, he was in favour for the broadest possible inclusion of handicapped children in regular classrooms.

Author: Jan Velinger