The state’s specialist schools will benefit from a $207 million package if Labor is re-elected at the November 26 election.
Labor said the package has been designed with parents of children with disability, who have had to “navigate the system tirelessly for years”.
The package includes an extension of outside hours care at specialist schools, onsite allied health appointments, the introduction of NDIS navigators into 89 specialist schools, as well as 1000 scholarships to attract speech pathologists, occupational therapists and disability workers to regional areas.
“We’ll invest $8.2 million to support TAFEs to employ 16 transition officers who will work directly with secondary schools to help students navigate their next chapter,” a Labor statement said.
“The package includes a lot of other things – big and small, but all things families have told us will make a huge difference to their kids.
“More extracurricular activities to make school fun. More aqua-therapy pools in special schools. More therapy animals for all-important cuddles and companionship. Software to help non-verbal kids express themselves.”
Labor also promised to move conversations with parents of children with disability “into the light of a full advisory council” called the Premier’s Advisory Council.
Details: https://www.danandrews.com.au/news/fighting-for-students-with-disability-and-their-families?rq=specialist%20schools.
