• In schools, the Disability Standards for Education (2005) help guide decisions regarding reasonable adjustments for students so that they can access and participate in education without disadvantage.  


    As a parent or carer of a child who has a learning difficulty, we are very interested in hearing about your experiences and perhaps what you would like to see changed. As the Standards are currently under review, it is hoped that the information you provide can be used to support a submission currently being prepared by AUSPELD as part of the review process.  


    Please answer the questions that are most relevant to you and skip any that do not apply to your situation or experience.

     

    Please complete this survey by Thursday 10th of September, 2020. Thank you!

  • At what level of education is your child?
  • If your child is of school age, what type of school do they attend?
  • Where do you live?

  • Do you live in a remote or regional area?
  • Does your family identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent?
  • Does your family speak a language or dialect other than English at home?
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  • As a parent of a child with a learning difficulty, please rate how well you know and understand your child’s rights in terms of access and participation as specified in the Disability Standards for Education.
  • Do you believe that the Disability Standards for Education influence the level of support provided to students in schools?
  • What impact do you believe the Disability Standards for Education have had on the support provided to your child?
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  • How proactive has your child's school been in terms of making adjustments to course content or instruction, with the aim of helping your child to participate effectively in their education?    (Adjustments may include, but are not limited to, providing additional working time, use of Assistive Technology such as a reading pen, regular review meetings, provision of writing templates, assistance with goal setting, coaching etc.)

  • What types of adjustments were suggested by your school? (Tick any that apply)

  • Did you request any adjustments (based on external recommendations) that were in addition to the adjustments offered by your child’s school?
  • If adjustments were made, do you believe these were sufficient and that they allowed your child to participate in curriculum tasks and assessments?
  • How frequently were the adjustments used within the classroom?
  • Does your child have a documented plan (e.g. Individual Education or Learning Plan / IEP, ILP) that is closely adhered to at their school?
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  • How useful have you found your local SPELD office (or in WA - DSF) in providing information and advice about appropriate intervention or adjustments for your child? (Tick any that apply)
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  • The Assistive Technology (AT) used in schools often takes the form of electronic devices or computer hardware or software and can be used to reinforce or support the learning process. Does your child's school encourage the use of AT for students with learning difficulties (including your child)? Note: specific examples of AT can be found in the question below.
  • Which AT options below have been used in your child’s school? (Tick all that apply)

  • If AT has been used, has it helped your child to participate in their education?
  • Has there been a time when you felt that your child’s school was not meeting their obligations in terms of implementing reasonable adjustments for their learning difficulties?
  • If yes, did you raise your concerns with the school or make a complaint?
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  • Over the past few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted schools. To what extent did the move to home-based or online learning impact your child’s ability to participate in their education?
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  • Has your child struggled to remain motivated or engaged at school due to barriers resulting from their learning difficulty?
  • If your child has transitioned between Primary and Secondary School or from Secondary School to further education/training, was support provided?

  • The challenges associated with having a learning difficulty can, in some cases, contribute to the development of mental health difficulties. Please indicate below whether your child has experienced any mental health difficulties.
  • If your child has experienced difficulties in any of the above areas, what factors do you believe may have contributed to this?

  • Students with learning difficulties need both accommodations (to ensure access to the curriculum) and intervention (to improve their academic achievement).  To the best of your knowledge, has your child’s school provided both accommodations and intervention to your child?
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  • What do you believe are the most significant barriers students with learning difficulties face with regards to accessing and participating in their education? (Please tick any that apply)

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  • Have staff at your child's school shown a good understanding of the Disability Standards in Education and/or how to use these Standards to support students with learning difficulties?
  • What steps could be taken to increase awareness for school staff and/or families about the Disability Standards in Education and what they mean for students with learning difficulties and disabilities?

  • Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us.

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