Children with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland are being discriminated against by being deprived the opportunity of further education, it was claimed today.
Rev William McCrea (DUP, Mid Ulster) said that young people forced to leave special schools at 19 must be given the same rights as everyone else to pursue their potential.
"I believe these children are being discriminated against. Every other child is encouraged to go on to education after 19. They are told it finishes," he said.
The Assembly unanimously backed his motion highlighting the lack of facilities for young disabled people and urging the Health Minister to make immediate provision for the continued care of special school leavers.
Rev McCrea said he has spoken to the Minister of Employment and Learning about this issue. "I do believe that departments have to work together to make adequate provision."
"Why should education finish at 19 years of age for these children when every other child is given the opportunity to continue?" he asked.
Chairman of the Health Committee Dr Joe Hendron supported the call for the Executive to take action.
"People with learning disabilities have the same right to lead as independent a life as possible as the non disabled population," he said.
Dr Hendron said that evidence in given to his committee by community groups pointed to wide gaps in provision of services for the learning disabled.
"Due to the limited options available, parents are often faced with providing 24 hour care for their children. This can mean parents having to leave employment."
Ms de Brún vowed to continue to try to increase the number of day care places available.
"My department is aware of the growing demand for statutory day care places as the numbers of more dependent young people who cannot access other day activities such as education, training or supported employment, increase.
"I will certainly work with Executive colleagues, with the voluntary sector and the rest of the statutory sector to ensure that we remove the barriers to social inclusion," she added.