Program for Students with Disabilities
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is committed to improving the learning outcomes of all students, by acknowledging and catering for their diverse learning needs. A key element of this commitment is an emphasis on improving the learning outcomes for students with disabilities and additional learning needs, including strategies that ensure inclusive practices are in place in schools.
With over 540,000 students in nearly 1,600 government schools, the diversity of the student population is recognised and celebrated. The Department is committed to delivering an inclusive education system that ensures all students have access to a quality education to meet their diverse needs.
A vital component of this commitment is the Program for Students with Disabilities. This program provides a range of supports and initiatives to assist government school students with disabilities.
2014 Program for Students with Disabilities - Guidelines and Documents
The PSD Guidelines and documents to support application procedures are available for download.
Students turning 19 or older and completing a senior secondary course in 2013
For students supported by the PSD who are turning 19 or older and completing a senior secondary course in 2013, schools are referred to the guidelines and application form below:
All applications for continuation of PSD funding for students turning 19 or older in 2013 must be submitted by 28 February 2013. Based on the specific requirements for students turning 20 or older, respective applications should be submitted as soon as possible.
Student Support Group Guidelines
The aims of the Student Support Group are to:
- ensure that those with the most knowledge of, and responsibility for the student, work together to establish shared goals for the student's educational future
- plan reasonable adjustments for the student to access the curriculum
- provide educational planning that is ongoing throughout the student's life
- monitor the progress of the student.
See the following guidelines for the Student Support Group, including the templates for individual learning plans:
For an accessible online version of the Student Support Group Guidelines email: online.comms.unit@edumail.vic.gov.au
Language Support Program
The Language Support Program was developed in response to recommendations from the Ministerial Working Group for Victorian government school communities to assist them in supporting students with language disorders and difficulties within their schools.
The Language Support Program Professional Learning Guide has been developed to support Professional Development in LSP and provide access to professional development materials for a wide range of audiences.
Enhanced Transition from Kindergarten to School
An enhanced process supporting the transition to school for children with severe disabilities in receipt of a Kindergarten Inclusion Support package.
The Process includes:
a) 'Sharing Our Journey' Protocol (PDF - 281Kb) for early childhood services, early intervention services, preschool field officers, and schools to assist in implementing a plan to support transition for these children and families
b) ‘Sharing Our Journey’ Information Kit (PDF - 911Kb) for parents including information sheets, a child profile and an actions planner to support the child’s move from kindergarten to school.
If you require any further clarification please call your school.