Education
People with disability have a right to education without discrimination (Article 24, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities).
School and Post-school education should provide good opportunities for social and academic learning for ALL students.
It is often more difficult for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to find a school they enjoy, where they have friends and are academically challenged with the right supports.
Research shows that one of the best ways to foster your child’s social and learning development is to enrol them in a school environment that offers the opportunity to mix with other students with and without disability. DDWA recognises that many mainstream schools do not yet have the knowledge or experience in supporting students with very high needs and so parents may feel their child will be better supported in a specialist setting.
The information below is designed to help people understand what education options are available to them and how to get support should there be difficulties.
DDWA Services
Advocacy - DDWA can support you to advocate for your rights to seek and maintain education options that best suit your son or daughter’s needs.
Resources
Planning and Making Choices
Personalised Learning Support Plans Used in Education
Supporting School-age Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Teaching Students with Disabilities
Autism Parent's Handbook
Other Resources
Australian Alliance for Inclusive Education - All Means All – for Educators
Provides concise information and toolkits about inclusive education and class culture; why include, supporting peer connection, the role of education assistants, and behaviour support.
allmeansall.org.au/for-educators
Disability Standards for Education - Australia
A practical guide for individuals, families and communities -Explains the standards of providing education for students with disabilities and what parents/guardians can expect for supports for their children in school.
