This is an html version of the paper being distributed with hardcopies of the draft Standards, as part of the consultation process. A Rich Text Format version of the document is also available. This paper provides a context for considering the accompanying Draft Disability Standards for Education which are the focus of this consultation. However, the DDA deals only in broad terms with what is required of education providers for compliance with the Act. Standards, which may be formulated under section 31 of the Act, aim to clarify these existing legal obligations.
Standards are a form of subordinate legislation.
Once they are approved by Parliament, compliance with them would satisfy the requirements of the DDA in relation to the aspects of education that they cover. Feedback should help refine them. If implemented, Standards would then provide an environment of much greater clarity and certainty about the requirements of the DDA than currently exists. The questions to which we seek your responses cover the key issues arising during the drafting process. We would also welcome comments on other issues you may wish to raise.