Tasmanian Disability Education Reform Lobby’s Teachers View Survey shows teachers dissatisfied with disability education

Feedback from teachers who responded to the Tasmanian Disability Education Reform Lobby’s Teacher View Survey found staff had concerns within the sector. 

The teachers, who remained anonymous, raised concerns over the ability to provide adequate support for students, lack of understanding of the specific student needs and a lack of funding.

“Inadequate professional learning opportunities are provided to teachers working with children in mainstream schools who are working with children with disabilities,” one teacher said.

The survey, released on Monday, found 39 per cent of teachers surveyed thought the disability education system had changed negatively in the past year.

Just 2 per cent said disability education was adequate.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government was committed to giving every student the best education possible.

“We are now implementing the recommendations of the Ministerial Taskforce into education for students with disability,” Mr Rockliff said.

“This includes the allocation of an additional $12 million to help schools be more responsive to the needs of students with disabilities.”

The lobby’s founder Kristen Desmond said while she acknowledged the government had implemented strategies, many students had limited access to quality education.

“This years survey again shows that while Tasmania’s schools are set up for inclusion, they are not resourced for it,” she said.

“Families and teachers continue to fight everyday for students with disability and their fundamental right to access a quality education.

“There is no silver bullet that will fix the situation overnight, but the issues faced by students with disability and their schools need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”