The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
Red Hill Special School Brisbane (supplied)
Queensland & South Australia Fund Special Education Options
The Queensland and South Australian governments face criticism for expanding segregated education despite calls for inclusive schooling.
Some disability advocates are raising alarm over recent government decisions to expand special schools, arguing the move will increase segregation and limit opportunities for students with disabilities.
The Queensland Government's announcement of a $1.09 billion investment to build six new special schools represents the state's most significant special school investment in history through the 2025-26 Budget.
The policy will deliver 15 new schools across Caloundra South and Ripley Valley, plus a new high school in Gracemere. South Australian Ministers for Disability, Nat Cook and Education, Blair Boyer, have meanwhile committed $3.5 million annually over four years to establish specialist classes and disability units in schools.
Boyer says she is creating special options to meet demand.
"Our government is taking comprehensive action to make schools in South Australia more inclusive of students with disabilities," Boyer says. "The Malinauskas Government is demonstrating our commitment to equity and improving schools so that students with a disability and their families are given the support they deserve."
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was deeply split on the issue of special (segregated) education. In its Final Report (2023), the Commissioners could not reach consensus on whether segregated education should be phased out in Australia.
The Australian Coalition for Inclusive Education (ACIE) has, however, released a statement urging all governments to stop investing in segregated settings and instead commit to fully inclusive education.
The Briefing
Fifteen disability-led projects funded
by National Disability Research Partnership
An initial $900,000 has been awarded, with further funding planned for larger-scale research into issues raised by the Disability Royal Commission. People with disability will lead new research into family violence, safe housing, and autonomy in decision-making to increase safety and reduce abuse and neglect.
“Breaking our family”: Devastating impact of NDIS eligibility reassessment
by Children and Young People with Disability Australia
A national survey by CYDA has highlighted the severe strain NDIS eligibility reassessments are placing on families. Parents report emotional and financial stress, with many describing the process as destabilising their households and support systems.
Disability Dialogue: Foundations for a good life
by Disability Advocacy Resource Unit
The Disability Dialogue invites people with disability to shape foundational supports that contribute to a better quality of life. Topics include peer support, inclusive communities, clear information and the role of disability-led organisations.
Victorian Disability Forum
by Disability Advocacy Resource Unit
Disabled persons organisations and advocates in Victoria are convening a forum to address government-community relations. The hybrid event invites individuals with disabilities and advocacy groups to raise concerns about rights and systemic issues.
Domestic Violence Workshops coming to Campbelltown and Lake Macquarie
by People with Disability Australia
People with Disability Australia is hosting workshops to support domestic violence services in becoming more inclusive of women with disability. Led by women with disability, the sessions share lived experience, practical tools and research highlighting barriers in service delivery.
The Wrap
‘No adequate safeguards’: NDIS participants under state guardianship for too long, public advocate warns
by Age
Some of Victoria’s most vulnerable are increasingly lingering under state guardianship – meant as a last resort – because of failings in the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the sector’s watchdog says in a scathing assessment of the system. The broadside comes amid broader criticisms of how the scheme’s reassessment process for young people with disabilities leaves them, their carers and families feeling anxious, afraid and – in some cases – suicidal.
Serious flaws for NDIS support in North Queensland: Kismet
by Townsville Bulletin
Millions of dollars in NDIS funding are going to waste in the state’s north, with a new report revealing that barriers to access vital services are crippling NDIS support across the region. Data from digital health organisation Kismet shows only 66 per cent of NDIS participants in northern electorates, including Kennedy, Dawson and Capricornia, were utilising their allocated funding, leaving millions of dollars in support going unused.
New tech deal alert: General Atlantic hires advisers to sell $1b Mable
by AFR
Corporate advisory boutiques Greenhill Australia and Record Point have been appointed to explore strategic options for aged and disability care platform Mable, multiple sources with knowledge of the situation told this column.
Inclusive Education Through Home-Based NDIS Support
by whaTECH.com
Inclusive education isn’t about fitting students into a rigid system—it’s about building a learning environment that adapts to the student’s individual needs. And it doesn't stop at the school gates. It also includes what happens at home, online, or in community settings. This advertorial piece explores how NDIS home care can support your child’s learning journey and unlock new opportunities for success.
The Diary
