All students regardless of race, age or gender, by virtue of their dignity as human persons, have a right to an education that is suited to their particular needs and adapted to their ability. (Pope Paul VI 1965).
At St Joseph’s school a Learner Diversity Leader oversees student needs for their learning outcomes. Students who have a disability (social/emotional, cognitive, physical or sensory) will have a Personal Learning Plan which enables all students to access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers.
To ensure this, students with a disability may receive adjustments to access education, based on the professional judgement of teachers, in consultation with the student and/or their parents, guardians or carers.
The Disability Standards for Education 2005 requires that all Australian schools:
- Ensure that students with a disability are able to access and participate in education on the same basis as students without a disability
- Make or provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ for students where necessary to enable their access and participation.
- Provide reasonable adjustments in consultation with the student and/or their associates; for most students, this means their parents, guardians or carers.
The Learner Diversity Leader (LDL) also liaises with Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd staff and allied health professionals. The LDL works closely with staff to ensure students’ specific needs are being met.