Go to top of page

Disability support at school

On this page

    Students with disability have a right to access and participate in education on the same basis as other students. This includes enrolment at their local school. Reasonable adjustments can be made by the school with existing resources. Schools can also apply for targeted funding from the department if extra support is needed.

    There are also specialised education options available for eligible children. These need an assessment and referral from the current school or preschool to Student Support Services.

    Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss disability support needs with their preschool or school. They will work with you and your child to make a personalised learning plan to get the right support.

    Statewide Inclusive Education Services (SIES)

    The Statewide Inclusive Education Services (SIES) provides a range of learning and teaching materials and specialised services which support children and students with disabilities and learning difficulties such as:

    • equipment for use in schools
    • special supports for children at school
    • resources and publications
    • parent forums for families to gather information and resources to support their child’s education.

    Contact SIES for more information.

    Support from your local school

    Children may have learning or support needs that impact their learning, such as:

    Your local school can provide additional support to help your child engage and participate in their learning. This may include the class teacher:

    • using different teaching approaches
    • making adjustments to suit your child’s needs
    • using tailored strategies and interventions that align with the goals and strengths in your child’s learning plan.

    Rights of students with disability

    Students with disability have a right to access and participate in education on the same basis as other students. This includes enrolment at their local school.

    Resources to help students with disability, their parents, carers and families understand their rights under the Disability Standards for Education 2005 are available. These resources were co-designed by the Australian Government and Children and Young People with Disability Australia.

    Specialised education options

    Specialised education options are available for eligible children. Schools and preschools refer children who need significant learning adjustments to Student Support Services for assessment.

    Each specialised education option has its own placement process and eligibility criteria. Recommendations for placement in a specialised education option are made by a team of professionals within the department.

    For more information about a specialised education option for your child, contact your preschool or primary school to discuss your child’s learning support needs.

    Special classes are located in some primary and secondary schools. They provide support for students who need large adjustments to the curriculum due to a mild to moderate intellectual disability.

    A special class may be considered if a student:

    • has an intellectual disability
    • has realistic goals and appropriate support
    • is not making meaningful progress in a mainstream class.

    Special classes operate inclusively. Students have the opportunity to learn alongside their same-age peers, with less students per teacher.

    Disability units are located within some primary and secondary schools and operate inclusively. Students have the opportunity to learn alongside their same-age peers in the school, with less students per teacher.

    Disability units are an education option for students who:

    • have a moderate to severe intellectual developmental disorder
    • require specialised and highly differentiated learning programs.

    Special schools are an option for students who:

    • have a moderate to profound intellectual developmental disorder
    • require a highly specialised and individualised program to foster increased engagement in learning

    Special schools focus on fostering social skills, personal care, and independence skills. They may offer long-term enrolments.

    Most special schools are located near mainstream schools and provide opportunities for students to learn alongside age-appropriate peers.

    Schools for students with vision and/or hearing loss

    Children and students with vision and/or hearing loss can access a range of services. Some schools offer specialised programs for those with significant vision and/or hearing loss

    Find out more about schools for Deaf and hard of hearing children and students.

    Speech and language classes are specialist junior primary school programs for students with significant speech, communication or language difficulties. They are located in some primary schools.

    Inclusive Teaching and Learning

    Email: education.itl [at] sa.gov.au

    Related information