Released 05/12/2023
Today, Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry released the ACT Government’s Inclusive Education: A Disability Inclusion Strategy for ACT Public Schools 2024-2034.
The strategy will ensure that every child and young person is welcomed, valued and can access a quality education designed to meet their needs at their local school.
“ACT public schools are places where diversity is embraced, and all students and their families are welcomed and valued for who they are and what they contribute,” Minister Berry said.
The first action plan, supported by an investment of $9.9 million, will strengthen and embed inclusive practices across ACT public schools.
Key actions include:
- A new team of expert inclusion coaches to initially be rolled out in Tuggeranong public schools to support teachers and inclusive practice
- Establishing an Inclusive Education Student Voice Forum so children and young people with disability have a say
- Professional learning for teachers in key areas such as universal design for learning, managing complex behaviours and understanding neurodiversity
- Strengthened partnerships between local and specialist public schools to enable the sharing of expertise and joint activities
- Work to develop a new needs-based funding model for students with disability, and a review of the school allied health model to ensure it is best placed to meet the needs of students with disability across ACT public schools
“This strategy will build inclusive school cultures, ensuring students with disability get the same equal chance at a great education," Minister Berry said.
“The ACT Government is committed to inclusive education because it not only delivers positive academic, social and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people, it is also key to creating a more equitable society.”
More information about the strategy is now available at: www.education.act.gov.au.
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Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases