New resources to support children and students with disability

Informative new resources, co-designed by young people with disability and their carers, have been launched today to help people with a disability to access education and training on the same basis as their peers.

The practical, easy-to-use resources will help students and young people with disability and their carers navigate the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Standards) and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

The informative resources, including fact sheets, workbooks and action plans will help students and all young people with disability and their carers understand their rights to do with education and, critically, how to exercise those rights.

All education providers, from kindergarten through to university, must meet the Standards – ensuring the rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 of children in early years education to young Australians accessing further education are respected.

The Australian Government worked with Children and Young People with Disability Australia to develop and deliver the important tools.

The Government is continuing to work with disability and education stakeholders to implement the recommendations from the 2020 Review of the Standards.

You can find the new resources for students and their parents and caregivers on the Department of Education website.

New resources to support the Early Childhood Education sector can be found on the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly

“The resources are designed to ensure all levels of education and training are accessible to all Australians, no matter their ability.

“This is particularly important for helping young children with disability to participate in early childhood education, ensuring the best possible foundation for future learning.

“We know that early childhood education plays a vital role – not just in positive education outcomes but health outcomes, too – while providing families and carers with opportunities to re-join the workforce.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten

“More needs to be done to allow children with disability to access education and these tools will help. Parents of children with disabilities should not be made to feel like bullies for asking for reasonable adjustments for their kids.

“Under this Labor Government, the education sector, early childhood educators and disability community are working side by side, with a shared vision of improving outcomes for students with a disability.

“We work closely with Children and Young People with Disability Australia and I’m proud that these valuable resources we’re created in consultation with such an important organisation.”