Disability Inclusion Funding and Support

Policy

This policy describes how schools can plan for and implement the Disability Inclusion funding model, which is now in place in all Victorian government schools.

Summary

• The Disability Inclusion reform package was introduced over a staged rollout between 2021 and 2025 as a new funding and support model for students with disability.
• Schools must meet their legal obligations under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth) to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate students with disability. These obligations apply to all students with disability, not just those who are eligible for support under targeted funding programs. For further information on the Disability Inclusion vision for inclusion, refer to: vision for inclusive education (PPTX).
• Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) funding for students with existing eligibility will continue to be processed using information provided by schools via the PSDMS. The department is no longer accepting applications for the PSD. All schools should refer to the Disability Inclusion Profile process.
• Schools may refer to the guidelines to support implementation on the Guidance tab, and information on funding allocation in the Student Resource Package: Student Disability Inclusion Tier 2 school-level funding and Disability Inclusion Tier 3 student-level funding.

Details

Disability Inclusion consists of:

• a tiered funding model for students with disability, with 2 supplementary funding allocations (Tier 2 school-level funding and Tier 3 student-level funding) to support inclusive practice in schools
• the Disability Inclusion Profile process to help schools and families detail the strengths, functional needs and educational adjustments schools are making for individual students with disability – this process will inform Tier 3 student-level funding allocations
• initiatives to strengthen skills and knowledge in inclusive education across the school system
• regional disability support roles and dedicated implementation teams.

For further information on the Disability Inclusion vision for inclusion, refer to: vision for inclusive education (PPTX).

Legal obligations

Schools must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that students with disability can access and participate in education on the same basis as students without disability, regardless of the availability of additional funding. Refer to: Students with Disability.

Disability Inclusion funding model

The Disability Inclusion funding model has 3 tiers, based on the increasing level of need for educational adjustments and targeted support:

• Tier 1 – Core student learning funding: funding for all students' core learning needs through the Student Resource Package (SRP). This funding includes students with disability and additional needs. Refer to: Core student learning allocation funding.
• Tier 2 – School-level funding: additional funding to strengthen capacity and capability to deliver adjustments and inclusive practice for students with disability. Refer to the SRP – Disability Inclusion Tier 2 school-level funding for information on how funding is allocated, and the Guidance tab for Tier 2 funding implementation guidance.
• Tier 3 – Student-level funding: additional funding to Tier 1 and 2, to support schools to deliver adjustments for individual students with complex and high needs. For information on how schools receive Tier 3 funding, refer to: Tier 3 student-level funding and SRP – Disability Inclusion Tier 3 school-level funding. For information on how to access Tier 3 funding, refer to: Disability Inclusion Profile.

Refer to the Disability Inclusion reform principal checklist (PPTX) for a guide to implementation.

Related policies

• Disability Inclusion Profile
• Behaviour — Students
• Education Support Staff Working in Classroom Support Roles
• Individual Education Plans
• NDIS Funded therapy in schools
• SRP – Disability Inclusion Tier 2 school-level funding
• SRP – Disability Inclusion Tier 3 student-level funding
• Student Support Groups
• Student Support Services
• Students with Disability

Relevant legislation

• Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
• Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth)
• Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic)

Contacts

For general queries about Disability Inclusion, contact: disability.inclusion@education.vic.gov.au

For questions about Disability Inclusion Profile outcomes, including the profile report and school resource notification and the Tier 3 funding allocation, timelines, or process, contact: disability.inclusion.outcomes@education.vic.gov.au

Regional Implementation Teams are available to support schools in implementing Disability Inclusion.

North Eastern Victoria Region

NEVR.disability.inclusion@education.vic.gov.au

South Western Victoria Region

SWVR.disability.inclusion@education.vic.gov.au

South Eastern Victoria Region

SEVR.disability.inclusion@education.vic.gov.au

North Western Victoria Region

NWVR.disability.inclusion@education.vic.gov.au

Schools with queries related to individual students may also contact their regional disability coordinator by contacting their local regional office.