No. 84

IMPROVED DISABILITY ACCESS FOR ACT STUDENTS

Students with disabilities at Canberra’s non-government schools will benefit from $1 million to improve accessibility aids ranging from ramps to large-screen computer monitors.

The Minister for Education and Training, Andrew Barr, said the Government was committed to ensuring students had equality of access to high-quality learning opportunities, no matter what their background or life circumstances. 

 “This $1 million contribution will improve opportunities for students with disabilities to access education and participate in educational programs in non-government schools,” he said.

Mr Barr said all education providers, including non-government schools, were subject to the Disability Standards for Education regulations promulgated by the Australian Government.  

“The ACT Government is pleased to be able to provide increased support to students with a disability in the non-government sector,” he said.

“Schools could benefit from a range of increased support for students with a disability, including items such as large screen computers for visually impaired students, as well as ramps and hand rails for mobility impaired students.

“This funding will decrease the likelihood that students with disabilities are excluded from, or fail to have, equitable access to programs and facilities in non‑government schools,” concluded Mr Barr.