Students with Disabilities Transport Program (SDTP)

Introduction

The Department of Education provides travel assistance for eligible students attending their designated government specialist or integrated school.

The Students with Disabilities Transport Program (SDTP) is a contribution towards and an acknowledgement of the additional costs families may incur as a result of attending a specialist or integrated school.

Attendance at a specialist or integrated school does not automatically entitle a student to assistance or preclude parents from being primarily responsible for their child’s transport arrangements.

The SDTP is guided by the transport regulations under the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 and the Bus Safety Act 2009.

The SDTP policy and procedures June 2018 document sets out the specific roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the provision and management of disability transport assistance.

This policy is effective from June 2018 and replaces all previously published policies and procedural guidelines for the SDTP.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national agency that provides support for Australians with disability, their families and carers.

The NDIS is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency. It will provide all Australians under the age of 65 who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life.

Supported School Transport provided under the SDTP is now under the scope of the NDIS. However, until the end of 2024 student transport will be provided by the Victorian Government as an in-kind service.