Petition No.: 83 Signatures: 1067
Fourteenth Legislature (2022 - 2026 )
Details - Online
Title
The Future of Education for People with Disability
Date
17-02-2026
Date petition closes for signatures
19-04-2026
Creator of petition
REBECCA SCICLUNA
Grievance
We, the undersigned people, write to formally express our deep concern regarding the future of Wardija Resource Centre and the broader implications for students with disability aged 16 and over.
Wardija Resource Centre is no longer listed as an enrolment option for students with disability aged 16 through to 22. While assurances have been made that the Centre will “remain open,” the removal of any student intake raises serious and reasonable doubts. A school without enrolment is, in practice, a school being quietly phased out. We cannot accept vague assurances while the pathway these students rely on is systematically dismantled.
The absence of clear, accessible educational options for students with disability beyond the age of 16 is alarming. It signals a regression in inclusive education and creates a real risk of these young people being left without meaningful learning opportunities, appropriate supports, or pathways to independence. Even more troubling is the implied shift toward institutionalisation or inappropriate placements for teenagers and young adults with disability once they reach a certain age.
This lack of transparency is unacceptable. People deserve clear, honest information about the intentions, timelines, and plans for Wardija Resource Centre and for post-16 education for students with disability. Such decisions should not be made behind closed doors.
People with disability are entitled to the same equity, dignity, and educational opportunities as their peers. We therefore demand full transparency from the responsible authorities and Members of Parliament. We call on you to clearly state your plans and intentions regarding Wardija Resource Centre, and other educational programmes in inclusive environments to guarantee ongoing, properly resourced educational options for students with disability aged 16–22, and to uphold the fundamental principle that students with disability have the same right to education, opportunity, and inclusion as all other students.
Wardija Resource Centre is no longer listed as an enrolment option for students with disability aged 16 through to 22. While assurances have been made that the Centre will “remain open,” the removal of any student intake raises serious and reasonable doubts. A school without enrolment is, in practice, a school being quietly phased out. We cannot accept vague assurances while the pathway these students rely on is systematically dismantled.
The absence of clear, accessible educational options for students with disability beyond the age of 16 is alarming. It signals a regression in inclusive education and creates a real risk of these young people being left without meaningful learning opportunities, appropriate supports, or pathways to independence. Even more troubling is the implied shift toward institutionalisation or inappropriate placements for teenagers and young adults with disability once they reach a certain age.
This lack of transparency is unacceptable. People deserve clear, honest information about the intentions, timelines, and plans for Wardija Resource Centre and for post-16 education for students with disability. Such decisions should not be made behind closed doors.
People with disability are entitled to the same equity, dignity, and educational opportunities as their peers. We therefore demand full transparency from the responsible authorities and Members of Parliament. We call on you to clearly state your plans and intentions regarding Wardija Resource Centre, and other educational programmes in inclusive environments to guarantee ongoing, properly resourced educational options for students with disability aged 16–22, and to uphold the fundamental principle that students with disability have the same right to education, opportunity, and inclusion as all other students.
Wherefore I/we respectfully request the House of Representatives to
We demand full transparency from the responsible authorities and Members of Parliament. We call on you to clearly state your plans and intentions regarding Wardija Resource Centre, and other educational programmes in inclusive environments to guarantee ongoing, properly resourced educational options for students with disability aged 16–22, and to uphold the fundamental principle that students with disability have the same right to education, opportunity, and inclusion as all other students.
Closing remarks
Education is a fundamental right, and students with disabilities deserve the same opportunities as all other students. They deserve an appropriate educational setting that promotes equity, meaningful opportunities, and inclusion rather than institutionalisation. We also deserve transparency in how these inclusive systems are developed and implemented, so we can continue moving forward and providing appropriate opportunities for all.