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.

Resources for people with disability
Education

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 every aspect of your child’s learning and development is to enrol them in an inclusive school environment where they can learn with and alongside other students both with and without disability. Some families may feel their child is best supported in a segregated setting. DDWA recognises that there are still mainstream schools in Western Australia where there is not yet enough knowledge or experience in accommodating the needs of students with disability. We're here to support your choice.

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.

Resources

Off to School

An included life

Supporting School-age Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Thinking Ahead

Thriving in Regular Schools

Teaching Students with Disabilities

Autism Parents' Handbook 2023 e-Update

Beyond Complaints - A Report on an Education Advocacy Service for Western Australia

DDWA Services

You can contact one of our team to assist with matters of concern that you have with your child's experience in the WA education system. Currently DDWA are not funded for individual advocacy services. However, please call us on (08) 9420-7203 for support and practical information on how you can self-advocate for your child. DDWA supports you to advocate for your rights to seek and maintain education options that best suit your child's needs.

Group of primary school children in a classroom

FAQ's

The Parent’s Dozen – supportive wisdom for the school journey

By DDWA Team
This list of 12 tips was developed from DDWA’s experience supporting parents to advocate for their child in mainstream schools.
woman's hands holding a mobile phone

What is the best way to communicate with your school?

By DDWA Team
What is the best way to communicate my child’s needs?  Find out from your child’s class teacher how and when they will communicate with you about your child’s needs and how they prefer the communication to occur.  Some teachers rely…
piggy bank image

What funding support is available at your local school?

By DDWA Team
What additional funding support does your local public school receive for students with disability? For each eligible student with disability, your local school can apply for the Individual Disability Allocation (IDA). Before the school can receive funding, they need to…
boy at school smiling

What additional support is available at your local school ?

By DDWA Team
My child doesn’t have a diagnosis, can I expect support in a mainstream class at my local school?  The school’s learning support team will support the teacher to identify students needing additional support. Talk to your child’s class teacher, or…

What are Individualised Planning- Curriculum Adjustments ?

By DDWA Team
What curriculum adjustments is my child entitled to under the Disability Standards for Education?  All schools must enable students with disability to participate in courses or programs and to use the school facilities and services provided, on the same basis…
boy with a book looking shocked

Can my local public school say they cannot accommodate my child’s needs and decline enrolment?

By DDWA Team
No. The rights of children with disability to attend their local public school is protected by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, which reflects Australia’s international law obligations under the Convention on the Rights of…
picture of school bus

Can my child go on the special school bus service?

By DDWA Team
Students attending education support centres and schools in the metropolitan area can access the School Bus Service’s (SBS) to attend school regularly. The ‘Orange’ bus service is provided by the Public Transport Authority using contracted bus services. SBS is also…
picture of colourful school lockers

What are my options if the current school isn’t working out for my child and we have tried everything we can to make it work?

By DDWA Team
Changing schools when things are not working out is an option some parents choose to explore. If you reach that point you can contact the appropriate office in the public, Catholic or Independent school systems: Regional Office Education Department:  https://www.education.wa.edu.au/contact…
boy with box of clourful crayons

Can I access specialist programs for my child with autism?

By DDWA Team
In the public school system, the government has provided funding for some specialist programs in both primary and secondary schools for students with autism. Children share programs with mainstream students as part of their education. Enrolment depends on where you…
school books with apple

How do I choose the right school for my child ?

By DDWA Team
Introduction Every child has the right to attend their local Government school, regardless of any disability they may have.  Research has shown repeatedly that when children with disability are included in their local school community, they and their peers without disability…

More Information

PDA strategies to try at school by Heidi Brandis

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile that describes those whose main characteristic is to avoid everyday demands and expectations to an extreme extent (from pdasociety.org.uk)

Heidi Brandis, author of the Autism Parent's Handbook, has developed a one page PDF for Educators about supporting autistic students with a PDA profile. You can download the PDF here.

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.

nccd.edu.au/disability-standards-education

Smiling man at home in an electric wheelchair