Page 1044 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 21 March 2012
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going, how they will get there and who can help them. The pathways planning process was developed by a cross-agency working group with representatives of government and other organisations, such as the ACT and Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the AFP, the non-government school system, teachers and the Youth Coalition of the ACT. Pathways planning complements and supports the individual learning plan for each student with a disability to identify each student’s individual needs, learning pathways, goals and priorities for learning and supports the positive transition through school and to post-school alternatives.
Data available indicates that students with a disability require additional support to prosper in the vocational education and training sector. Exploration of best practice examples of viable programs providing support for people with a disability to access vocational education and training and improve employment outcomes, therefore, has significant merit. At the national level, state and territory governments are considering advice provided by the National VET Equity Advisory Council intended to inform jurisdictional development policy for investment in disadvantaged learners, including people with a disability in the vocational education and training system.
This advice has not yet been made publicly available. However, I can say it is based on in-depth research, including case studies of best practice programs. It also includes a range of information on the costs and benefits of supporting people with a disability.
Identifying and providing post-school educational pathways for young people with a disability is an ongoing priority for the Education and Training Directorate. The ACT government provides funds to support training for people with a disability through programs such as the priorities support program, adult and community education grants program, Australian apprenticeships through the user choice program and the joint group training program. The priorities support program is specifically designed to provide access to training opportunities for people who cannot readily access or do not have a high chance of success in other government-funded training.
Students with a disability are supported as a specific equity group under the priorities support program. Registered training organisations successful in attracting priorities support program funding offer courses with innovative approaches designed to maximise the chances for participants from disadvantaged groups. An additional 10 per cent equity payment is provided to support participation by students with a disability.
The focus of the adult and community education grants program is on learning that improves work readiness and builds social capital. The adult and community education grants program funds both non-accredited and accredited courses, mainly at the certificate I level. In 2012, four adult and community education courses were funded that specifically targeted people aged 18 and over with a disability. In addition, a program specifically designed for parents and carers of children and young people with a disability is funded.
User choice is a national funding policy for Australian apprenticeships, promoting choice in training services provided to employers and Australian apprentices and trainees. Registered training organisations may apply for additional support funding to provide assistance to apprentices and trainees with a disability.
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