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 garegivers.

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)

Palm Avenue
Palm Avenue School / Dalwood Assessment Centre is a joint Department of Education and Training and NSW Health facility. It provides specialist services for primary age students in rural areas of NSW who have significant learning difficulties.

Palm Avenue School / Dalwood Assessment Centre provides:

• assessment
• a residential program for students with significant literacy difficulties, language problems and/or behaviour problems
• consultation and in-service support for rural schools.

Palm Avenue / Dalwood Assessment Centre services may be accessed by students from both government and non government schools.

Specialist Resource Library
The Jill Sherlock Memorial Learning Assistance Resource Library is a statewide resource for teachers, parents, counsellors and allied professionals.

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.

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.