Disability Programs

Information about services for students with disabilities in NSW Public Schools is contained in the publication Who's Going To Teach My Child: A Guide For Parents Of Students With Special Learning Needs (PDF 1.41MB).  This publication answers the most commonly asked questions from parents and caregivers.

The online resource Physical as anything.com, launched in 2011, provides information and help for teachers and schools, parents and carers, and healthcare professionals for school-aged children with medical, developmental and psychological conditions.

From Assessment to Programming has been designed to assist school learning support teams to develop whole school plans for improving the reading achievements of all students. It is intended for use with students: from stage 1 onwards who are performing below their age/stage level; who scored in the bottom 2 bands of NAPLAN for their year; who were absent for NAPLAN (if causing concern). This book as a whole or by individual sections is available in PDF format as follows:

From Assessment To Programming: Assisting students requiring additional support in reading (complete book) (PDF - 5,817kB)
Contents and Introduction (PDF - 408kB)
Part one: Assessment (PDF - 418kB)
Primary texts (PDF - 2,107kB)
Additional easier texts (stages 2-3) (PDF - 688kB)
Secondary texts (PDF - 2,453kB)
Additional easier texts (stages 4-5) (PDF - 521kB)
Specific level assessment tasks (PDF - 702kB)
Proformas  (PDF - 577kB)
Part two: After assessment (PDF - 854kB)

The NSW Department of Education and Training's Auditory Skills Program for Students with Hearing Impairment has been completely revised and updated to reflect current changes both in curriculum and amplification devices for students in K-6.  The resource is now on sale.  Please click for further information and order form (PDF 483kB). 

The Critical Bridges DVD deals with education and transitional stages experienced by people with disability.  Hosted by the Disability Council of NSW and the NSW Department of Education and Training, this six hour series brings together people with a great deal of personal and professional experience to discuss, debate and inform us about three important stages of educational transition, including: transition to school; re-adjustment after acquiring a disability later in life, and transitioning to post-school destinations.  Click for more information and instructions on ordering copies of the Critical Bridges DVD.

The Beyond Expectations DVD project, developed by the TAFE NSW Disability Programs Unit, presents video profiles of people with a range of disabilities, who are making their mark in the workforce.  Click here for more information and to order DVD. If you have broadband access, watch online!

This article, by Brian Smyth King, Director, Disability Programs for DET NSW, was published in SCAN in August 2005.

This resource promotes the inclusion of students with disabilities in school communities.

• Students With Disabilities in Regular Classes: Funding Support (PDF 261kB)
• Students with Disabilities in Regular Classes: School Support Document (PDF 282kB)

The Learning Assistance Program supports students experiencing difficulties in learning in regular classes, regardless of the cause. It includes support for students with significant learning difficulties, mild intellectual disabilities and language disorders.

The Learning Assistance Program provides Support Teachers Learning Assistance (STLAs) (*.doc - 26kB) and funding to primary and secondary schools.

Principles: Assisting Students with Learning Difficulties (*.doc - 31kB)

The following PowerPoint presentation provides further information about the Learning Assistance Program.
The Learning Assistance Program (*.ppt 512kB)
Presenter's notes (*.doc 1.4MB)

Students supported through the Learning Assistance Program may also recieve additional assistance from School Learning Support Officers (formerly Teachers Aide Special -TAS) employed by the school.  Details of employment conditions for this role are *available on the intranet* to staff of the NSW Department of Education and Training in the Non-teaching Staff in Schools Handbook.

Each region has a team of specialist teachers to provide further support for students with significant learning difficulties and their teachers.  Regional Learning Assistance Team (Ms Word 23kB)

Early in 2006, the Department commissioned an independent reflective study of the Learning Assistance Program in 2004-2006.  This study provides strong endorsement for the program.

Palm Avenue School is a specialist school incorporated into the NSW Centre for Effective Reading. It provides targeted support for students with complex reading difficulties who attend government and non government schools in rural and remote NSW.

The NSW Centre for Effective Reading, incorporating Palm Avenue School, provides:

• online resources useful for classroom teachers in assisting primary aged students who experience difficulties in learning to read
• multidisciplinary assessment and intervention services for primary aged students in rural and remote NSW who have complex reading difficulties
• an intensive educational clinic for students in rural and remote NSW who have the most complex reading difficulties.

The Jill Sherlock Memorial Learning Assistance Library is an initiative of the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Jill Sherlock Memorial Trust.

This state facility provides resources to teachers, allied professionals and parents to support the teaching and learning needs of students with learning difficulties, in the context of syllabus and curriculum requirements.

This practical resource can assist teachers to develop and adjust teaching strategies and class programs to meet the needs of a range of learners experiencing difficulties with spelling and writing.  This book as a whole or by individual sections is available in PDF format as follows:

Writing and Spelling Strategies: Assisting students who have additional learning support needs  (complete book) (PDF - 9.8MB)
Introduction: Contents and Introduction (PDF - 670kB)
Section one: Supporting students experiencing difficulties in writing (PDF - 339kB)
Section two: Assessing students' writing achievements (PDF - 1,282kB)
Section three: Writing instruction (PDF - 3,162kB)
Section four: Preparing students to write (PDF - 1,594kB)
Section five: Text structure and grammar (PDF - 2,891kB)
Section six: Spelling (PDF - 1,107kB)
Section seven: Using technology to support writing (PDF - 490kB)
Section eight: References and resources (PDF - 119kB)

This resource supports the implementation of Follow Up to BST procedures. The strategies and planning processes outlined can assist schools in providing effective teaching and learning programs for students experiencing difficulties with reading.

This support document is also included in the Follow up to BST. It assists teachers to choose strategies and make appropriate adjustments to class programs for students needing additional support in literacy.

This support document provides instructional techniques for both the Support Teacher Learning Assistance (STLA) and Key Learning Area (KLA) teachers. It contains strategies for developing the reading ability of students still struggling to read the words on the page. It has extensive sections on comprehension that support the collaborative teaching model of STLAs and KLA teachers in the classroom.