Integrated Education
Inclusive education means that every member of every school community is valued and supported to fully participate, learn, grow and succeed within an inclusive school culture.
The aim is to create a safe and inclusive school environment for students with disabilities and special needs.
The initiative focuses on developing the knowledge and skills of school staff and providing schools with clear guidance and specialized support to better respond to the needs of students with disabilities.
Celebrate student differences
Victoria has a strong and vibrant education system that celebrates diversity and is committed to supporting the achievement and participation of all students. Inclusive education acknowledges that some children and young people have intersecting identities and additional needs that schools may need to take into account. These identities may relate to:
having a disability or additional learning needs, gender identity, sexual orientation, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity, race, cultural identity, speaking a language other than English, social factors, economic factors, experience of abuse, neglect or family violence.
Reviewing programs for students with disabilities
The Inclusive Education Agenda initiative is a response to recommendations from a review of programs for students with disabilities.
The study explored how schools can best provide learning for children and young people with disabilities.
The review made the following recommendations:
The current program for students with disabilities; The capacity of Victorian Government schools to meet the needs and maximise learning of all children and young people with disability; The future capacity of the Government school system to meet the specific needs of students with autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia; The feasibility of moving to a strengths-based functional needs assessment approach for students with disabilities, which is consistent with the direction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme; The effectiveness of the current Year 6 to 7 program (its objectives, timing, requirements and impacts on students’ transition from primary to secondary school, and recommendations for alternative models); The capacity of the program to support the Victorian Government’s commitment to excellence in inclusive education, including an accountability evaluation; Advice on putting the review’s recommendations into practice, including the impact of the transition.
Reviewing the research
This review was based on multiple resources, including:
The Australian Government reports on academic research using material from disability organisations.
This study provides a continuing evidence base that may be useful in implementing the Government’s response to the Review.
The literature used in this review represents the views of the authors and does not necessarily reflect our views or those of the State of Victoria.
Review consultation
The consultation was moderated by Dr Graham Innes, former chair of the Australian Disability Discrimination Commission, and involved over 100 participants representing 24 organisations.
170 comments were received from the public and 1,400 people responded to an online survey to gauge key stakeholder groups’ attitudes towards potential policy options.
Review the report and responses
Download the review report and government response:
Policy for Students with Disabilities
A school policy for students with disabilities gives schools a clear definition of inclusive education and a legal obligation to support students with disabilities. The policy is part of an inclusive education agenda focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities.
Definition of “Students with Disabilities and Special Needs”
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) defines the term “disability” to mean a physical, intellectual, mental or medical impairment (including a disability that leads to a difference in how people learn).
This means that the policy applies to all students with disabilities, not just those who qualify for support through targeted programs such as programs for students with disabilities.