national disability coordination officer’s supporting nsw members.
National Monday Update Issue:
Last week, NSW Member Support Officer Sarah Rosen met with Debi Toman, a National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) hosted by the University of Western Sydney.
The purpose of the meeting was to look at ways that the NDCO program could support NSW members in the provision of education and training to students with disabilities.
The Federal government is keen to increase the workforce participation rate of people with disabilities and in March 2010, introduced the Disability Employment Service supported with $1.7 billion over the next three years. This will provide a significant improvement in services for people with a disabilities, their families, carers and employers by providing access to tailored services that are flexible and responsive to both their needs and those of employers.
Further support has been given to the higher education sector through the Higher Education Disability Support Program with $1,000,500 allocated to 38 university providers in 2009, who also received $5,049,896 as reimbursement of expenses incurred in 2008.
While disability support is available in schools, some higher education providers and now in employment services, there is still a large gap between leaving school and pursuing vocational education and training. While no funding is available for RTO’s there is a network of support and information available through the NDCO’s.
RTOs are required under the Disability Discrimination Act and the Disability Standards for Education to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. Many of these adjustments have no cost associated with them. A good resource for Education Providers can be found online: www.ddaedustandards.info.
It is important to keep in mind that under the legislation the definition of ‘disability’ is broad and includes chronic medical conditions, mental illness and learning disabilities. The Western Sydney NDCO website has more information: http://pubsites.uws.edu.au/ndco/what/index.htm
The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) funds a national network of NDCOs who provide information, coordination and referral services for people with disabilities who are interested in post-school education and training. They also work with providers and employers to help them understand their responsibilities and meet the needs of students with a disability.
Members who are interested in accessing information to assist them with enrolling and training students with disabilities are encouraged to contact their local NDCO. If you are interested in more information please contact d [dot] toman [at] uws [dot] edu [dot] au (Debi Toman) or the NDCO in your area.
Other useful websites:
- www.deewr.gov.au/ndco - to find your local NDCO.
- www.adcet.edu.au/cats/specific_impairments.chpx - CATS - Creative Accessible Teaching and Support – guidelines on inclusive teaching practice.
- www.uws.edu.au/ndco - Western Sydney NDCO program website
NSW Member Support Officer, Sarah Rosen meets with Debi Toman, National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO)