$200 million for students with disabilities

The Federal Government has announced a $200 million fund for students with disabilities in the 2011-2012 Budget.

 

The funding is expected to go towards initiatives such as speech therapy,  teacher training, health support staff and audio-visual materials.

 

There are currently 164.000 students with disabilities enrolled in Australian schools. Funding will be extended to Catholic and private schools that have students with disabilities enrolled.

 

This initiative will include:

  • new services such as speech and occupational therapy delivered at school by health and student welfare professionals
  • access to special equipment in classrooms such as audio and visual technology so that students can more easily learn and engage with their classmates and teachers
  • additional hours of in-class support from staff including teachers aides, health and allied health professionals as well as enhanced support through team teaching
  • adapted curriculum tailored to their needs based on the latest research and expert advice.

It will also aim to improve support for teachers so they can:

  • improve the planning and delivery of programs, lessons and activities that enhance the way students with disabilities learn and are included in the classroom
  • better engage support staff, health and allied health professionals and curriculum experts to assist them in providing appropriate support for students
  • access expert advice to learn the latest skills and strategies to improve the education of students with disabilities.

Further information on the More Support for Students with Disabilities initiative is available at: www.deewr.gov.au