Wellbeing

Disability Inclusion: a new approach for students with disability

Disability Inclusion is part of the Government’s approach to inclusive education. It provides extra support for students with disability in Victorian Government schools.

The Program for Students with Disabilities (the old model) focused on what the student couldn't do; Disability inclusion means we need to shift our thinking and language to “With extensive support the student can..”.

Our school will be moving to the new model during 2024.

A Disability Inclusion Profile will be created for students who require substantial adjustments to be made at school to ensure they are reaching their full potential.

The profile is a strengths-based process to help schools and families identify:

•the student's strengths and needs

•the educational adjustments schools can make to help students with disability.

Key people who understand the student’s education and support needs will complete the profile together. This includes:

•the student

•their family

•school staff and others, as appropriate.

A regional facilitator will help schools and families work together through the new approach.

In order to meet the first criteria for a Disability Inclusion Profile (DIP) the student reach a threshold of adjustments made in a given number of the following areas.

Further information on Disability Inclusion can be found at:

We have been attending professional learning sessions, we are part of a regional collegiate group and staff have been briefed on details of the new program. We have begun to gather the necessary documentation to support the development of DIPS at Newlands and we will formally begin the process next term.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions related to this new initiativ.

Sonya