Students with a disability
Under section 32 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 , education providers must comply with the Disability Standards for Education 2005 . The Disability Standards for Education 2005 set standards for education and training providers, including Victorian government schools. To comply with the Standards, education providers must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to accommodate a student with a disability. RTOs must comply with the Disability Standards for Education 2005.
An adjustment is a measure or action taken to assist a student with a disability to participate in education and training on the same basis as other students. Adjustments may, or may not require additional resources. Some students benefit from small adjustments to the curriculum such as the delivery of instructions in writing rather than verbally, sitting at the front of the classroom, or taking regular breaks to get up and move limbs or stretch their back. Others require more substantial adjustments, such as assistance with self-care or intensive supervision.
The Disability Standards apply to all students with a disability, not just those who are eligible for support under the Program for Students with Disabilities.
Adjustments may involve a combination of:
- Addressing physical barriers, including modifications, to ensure access to buildings and facilities
- Modifying programs and adapting curriculum delivery and assessment strategies
- Providing ongoing consultancy support or professional learning and training for staff
- Specialised technology or computer software or equipment
- Provision of study notes or research materials in different formats
- Services such as sign language interpreters, visiting school teams or specialist support staff
- Additional personnel such as tutors or aides for personal care or mobility assistance
More information supporting students with disability can be found in the Program for Students with a .
Reviewed 01 May 2020