The Australian Government supports the rights of students with disability to have the same educational opportunities as students without disability. The Australian Government believes that we should strive for a high-quality school system that assists all Australian children to reach their full potential. There are support programs in place to help ensure students with disability have the same educational opportunities as other school students so they can fully participate in the economic and social life of the community.
Support
The Australian Government works with states and territories to support students with disability and learning difficulties:
Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31
Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31, agreed by all Australian governments, sets out a ten-year plan to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia. The Strategy includes seven outcome areas, including one for Education and Learning. One of the priorities under the Strategy is to improve pathways and accessibility to further education and training for people with disability.
Disability Standards for Education 2005
The Disability Standards for Education 2005 clarify the obligations of education and training providers under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. and seek to ensure that students with disability can access and participate in education on the same basis as students without disability.
The Department of Education has worked with people with disability to develop information products to help you understand your rights, and work with education providers to make sure you can learn and participate in education.
Information resources for students with disability and their caregivers
Information resources are available to help you understand your rights in education and what education providers need to do to support students with disability under the DSE.
Review of the impact of COVID-19
In 2022 and 2023, the Department conducted a review of the impact of COVID-19 on school students with disability. The review examined the impacts of the pandemic on the education and wellbeing outcomes of students with disability. Through a mix of closed and open consultations the review heard from students with disability, parents and carers, teachers and school leaders, disability representative organisations, advocates, academics, practitioners, and school administrators. Review findings have been shared with the Minister for Education, and will inform the development and implementation of policies and programs aimed at improving inclusion, learning, and wellbeing outcomes for school students with disability.