Australia: Must not mention that disability is disabling

Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham has come under fire for saying he 'thanks his lucky stars' his children do not have a disability.

'I think we look at some friends who have children with varying disabilities and I thank my lucky stars that's not me,' Mr Birmingham told a Senate committee meeting in Canberra on Wednesday night.  'So I am very conscious of making sure we do what we can in that space.'

The Education Minister and South Australian Senator made the comments during a discussion about potential cuts to funding for students with a disability next year, as a new funding model is introduced.

The 'lucky stars' comment was slammed by advocacy groups, who labelled it 'deeply offensive' to people with a disability.

'They are constantly exposed to significant barriers in education, including constant bullying, and for them to hear that can easily cause harm and further diminish the views that we are trying to stop,' Children with Disability Australia chief executive Stephanie Gotlib said, according to the Canberra Times.

'He is either acknowledging that the education system is causing significant challenges, or is he saying children with a disability themselves are a burden, and aren't a valuable member of a family or community.' [But they ARE a burden.  Whether the burden should be borne and by whom is a legitimate and important debate but denying the reality attacks the need for debate.  Is that ever wise?]

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