# Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education \[Episode 4\]

An episode of [Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1621391144), 28 Oct 2024, 27 min.

Audio: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/165937028/6d63df58687e4fbcd5733706ac23e453.mp3

The AON Debacle and what it tells us In this episode I cover the controversial Assessment of Need (AON) process which, to me, shows how the power of silence, supported by the illusion of partnership that representative bodies find themselves, brought us to a place where schools were forced to get the NCSE and the State out of a legal pickle. This episode gives a single point in the scandal, which gives an example of how the State, supported by the corroboration of representative bodies and stakeholders, and with the silence of those in the service, ensures that services to children with additional needs continues to decline Shownotes and Links: 01:45 The Assessment of Need Debacle 05:03 Schools' Struggles and NCSE's Response 10:21 Union Involvement and Teacher Reactions 12:39 Media Coverage and Public Outcry 21:07 The Aftermath and Lessons Learned Dara Calleary Speech: https://twitter.com/Donnchadhol/status/1585234176412114945?t=8Fy3OyCIO9BCES035H7ygQ&s=19 https://anseo.net/subscribe - Subscribe to my newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simonmlewis.substack.com/subscribe

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