Disability Education

All schools in the ACT are required to make reasonable adjustments for students with disability at the time of their enrollment and during the course of their education, ensuring they have the support they need to successfully access and participate in the school curriculum, programs and activities
in the company of their peers. 

ACT public schools actively engage with parents and families to provide inclusive, accessible and high quality education for all students.  Our schools will:

consult with you to understand your child's education needs and whether adjustments are needed to support the student

make the reasonable adjustments that are necessary to enable a student with disability to take part in education on the same basis as other students

assist students and families to feel safe and supported in the education environment. 

Adjustments may be made in the areas of curriculum, environment or teaching methods, and will vary according to the needs of individual students. 

Disability Education support is available for school students from pre-school through to year 12:

All ACT public schools offer an Inclusion Support Program from K-12, through which reasonable adjustments can be made to meet the needs of your child at your local school. 

Hearing and Vision support is available for students from pre-school to year 12. 

Specialised programs are available at particular schools. 

Specialist schools cater for students with high and complex needs.  There are primary schools and high schools on the north and south sides of Canberra. 

If your child receives Disability Education support at school, your child's needs will be assessed in a professional Appraisal meeting (Student Centred Appraisal of Need meeting).  Appraisal meetings determine the extent of your child's needs in a variety of areas including communication, mobility,
personal care and safety, social development and curriculum.  Parents and carers are encouraged to attend these meetings, which are guided by a trained moderator. 

An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is developed for all students who access Disability Education support.  The plan is developed within the school.  It refers to the areas of need identified in the Appraisal meeting.  The plan links your child's needs to the curriculum, with input from parents, carers
and families; teachers; and other people who may support your child.