Published Thursday, 04 December, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
New education guide for parents of students with a disability
Parents of students with a disability will benefit from a handbook designed to help them navigate the state education system, launched today by Education and Training Minister Rod Welford.
Mr Welford said Education for children with a disability – a guide for parents was a valuable resource for parents whose child had just been diagnosed with a disability.
“This handbook is a starting point for gathering information that will help parents make informed decisions about their child’s education,” Mr Welford said.
“It is important parents feel they can confidently speak with school staff about their child’s needs so they can influence the educational support he or she receives.
“This guide gives an overview of how to meet the needs of students with a disability in the early, middle and senior phases of learning.
“There are many critical parental decisions such as choosing the right secondary school and planning post-school options that also need to be made along the way.”
Mr Welford said the launch coincided with International Day of People with Disability, celebrated around the world on December 3 to recognise the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
“It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the important role parents and school communities play in the successful education of all young Queenslanders,” he said
“Research has shown families have a major influence on their children’s achievements at school and throughout their lives,” he said.
“When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children will do better in school, stay longer and enjoy school more.
“For parents of children with a disability, it’s even more important to have a strong relationship with school staff and the people who share responsibility for their child's development.
“This guide helps to strengthen partnerships by explaining in plain English the terms parents may be unfamiliar with and gives contact details if they need more information.
“This handbook will help parents and schools to bring out the best in all children with a disability.”
Education for children with a disability – a guide for parents is available online at http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/learning/disability/parentguide/index.html and at state schools across Queensland.
Media contact: Jo Crompton or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Mr Welford said Education for children with a disability – a guide for parents was a valuable resource for parents whose child had just been diagnosed with a disability.
“This handbook is a starting point for gathering information that will help parents make informed decisions about their child’s education,” Mr Welford said.
“It is important parents feel they can confidently speak with school staff about their child’s needs so they can influence the educational support he or she receives.
“This guide gives an overview of how to meet the needs of students with a disability in the early, middle and senior phases of learning.
“There are many critical parental decisions such as choosing the right secondary school and planning post-school options that also need to be made along the way.”
Mr Welford said the launch coincided with International Day of People with Disability, celebrated around the world on December 3 to recognise the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
“It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the important role parents and school communities play in the successful education of all young Queenslanders,” he said
“Research has shown families have a major influence on their children’s achievements at school and throughout their lives,” he said.
“When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children will do better in school, stay longer and enjoy school more.
“For parents of children with a disability, it’s even more important to have a strong relationship with school staff and the people who share responsibility for their child's development.
“This guide helps to strengthen partnerships by explaining in plain English the terms parents may be unfamiliar with and gives contact details if they need more information.
“This handbook will help parents and schools to bring out the best in all children with a disability.”
Education for children with a disability – a guide for parents is available online at http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/learning/disability/parentguide/index.html and at state schools across Queensland.
Media contact: Jo Crompton or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000