The Department of Education and Training (DET) has launched a new strategy to give autistic students more support in schools and more tailored assistance with their education.
Minister for Education, James Merlino said the Autism Education Strategy was an Australian first and would see over $19 million provided to better meet the educational needs and aspirations of autistic students in Victorian government schools, while supporting their families and teachers.
“The flagship initiative of the Strategy is the establishment of a new Diverse Learners Hub,” Mr Merlino said.
“The hub will deliver expert coaching and professional learning for Department and school staff, to drive cultural change in how schools support children with autism and create learning environments that help them thrive,” he said.
“In addition to the hub, there will be a range of new and expanded resources and initiatives to support autistic students rolling out from the 2021 school year.
Mr Merlino said resources and initiatives would include increased professional development opportunities for school staff; mentoring for autistic students through the I CAN Schools program to provide targeted emotional and social support; and resources to promote a supportive and inclusive approach at schools and prevent bullying of students with disabilities.
The Minister said the Strategy would also include partnerships with key autism advocacy organisations to develop resources and tools for autistic students and their families to work in partnership with their school.
He said the Strategy was developed in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including experts, researchers, autism advocacy organisations, and autistic students and their families.
DET’s online Autism Education Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link and an 11-page Easy English version of the Strategy at this link.
