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New Resources To Help Families Of Disabled Children

15 October 2015

Minister for Education James Merlino today visited Thornbury Primary School to launch two new initiatives aimed at helping families with children with disabilities or additional learning needs.

Learning Together is an online resource that helps families chose the right school for their children, understand the support systems available to them and how best to engage with their schools.

Rock Solid complements Learning Together and has been developed in conjunction with Wurundjeri elder Aunty Diane Kerr and Boonwurrung elder Aunty Carolyn Brigg to address the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with children with a disability or with additional learning needs.

Both were developed in conjunction with the Association for Children with a Disability.

The 2015-16 Victorian Budget invests almost $4 billion in Victoria’s education and skills system – representing the single biggest boost to education funding in Victoria’s history.

The Budget provides $325 million to renovate, refurbish or rebuild 67 schools. It will fund the first stage of an extensive asbestos removal program so that families can be assured their children are being educated in safe schools.

It also includes $180 million for programs that will help families cover the extra costs of education, like camps, excursions and uniforms, so no child misses out.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“These resources will assist families in communicating with our schools about their children’s needs and strengths in a constructive manner.”

“I commend Principal Karen Mazurek and the teachers and support staff for their commitment to building an inclusive school environment for their students and families.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“I would like to acknowledge the Association for Children with a Disability, Aunty Diane Kerr and Aunty Carolyn Brigg, for their work on these initiatives. This will provide practical advice for parents and carers of children with a disability."

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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