Program for Students with a Disability (PSD)
The Department of Education and Training 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. 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.
Objectives of the Program for Students with Disabilities
The PSD aims to maximise student potential growth in education and learning, and ensure that students with disabilities are valued and participate in all aspects of school life, consistent with optimal and relevant goals and aspirations. There are three specific objectives which together achieve this goal.
- Student learning – Student potential for growth and development in (academic) discipline-based, personal and interpersonal learning, and independence in learning is maximised and is consistent with their goals and aspirations.
- Student engagement and wellbeing – Students are motivated and are able to participate fully in their education and wider school life, consistent with optimal and relevant goals and aspirations.
- Student pathways and transitions – Students successfully transition to, throughout and from school, and the pathways selected maximise their potential for growth and development while they attend school and after they leave school.
Through the Program for Students with Disabilities, students at Northern Bay P -12 College, educational needs are closely monitored and reviewed, and meaningful goals are set and met. Our teachers and school leaders are required to comply with the Disability Standards for Education 2005, which clarify the obligations on schools and the rights of students under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992
Students registered in the Program for Students with Disabilities have a moderate to severe disability and have met the eligibility criteria for one of seven categories:
1/ Physical disability
2/ Visual impairment
3/ Severe behaviour disorder
4/ Hearing impairment
5/ Intellectual disability
6/ Autism Spectrum Disorder
7/ Severe language disorder with critical educational needs
Eligibility criteria is developed from guidelines set by the internationally recognised World Health Organisation.
