Victoria launches broad school help
The Victorian Government wants to stop schools from “turning away” students with special needs like autism and dyslexia.
The state’s upcoming budget will feature a $156 million funding boost for special needs students, which will go to upgrades at 20 specialist schools and other measures.
The budget paper will reportedly include $50 million to help 1,700 more students that will be eligible for a disability program next year.
There is $22 million for students with autism and dyslexia as well.
Education Minister James Merlino says the new money will mean there is no excuse for schools to refuse students with special needs.
“There are many schools that do the right thing and they are fully inclusive, but we know it happens,” he said.
“We hear it from parents and it's just got to stop.”
The money is to be focused on supporting staff across mainstream schools, so that special needs students can stay in their local area.
“In practically every classroom there will be a child who is dyslexic, or there will be a child who is on the spectrum or a child with another learning difficulty,” he said.
“That's why we need a focus on the capacity of our teachers and education support staff.”