Qld: State Government descriminated against deaf boy

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2005
Qld: State Government descriminated against deaf boy

A court's found the Queensland government discriminated against a deaf boy by not giving
him a sign language interpreter at school.

Federal court Justice BRUCE LANDER has awarded the boy $64,000 in compensation for
future economic loss, and pain and suffering arising from the discrimination.

Deaf Children Australia says the 12-year-old boy, who attended a Sunshine Coast state
school, has the academic skills of a six-year-old.

A group representative says it's now clear that all deaf children who need a sign language
interpreter should have one.

And a lawyer for the boy says the court decision means if any educational authority
does not provide a deaf child with an interpreter when they need one, they'll be in
breach of Commonwealth human rights legislation.

AAP RTV rl/ch/gjr/jo

KEYWORD: DEAF (BRISBANE)

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