Considering the needs of students with a disability

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Identifying what a person needs
Support for training providers
Assistive equipment
Support workers
More information

Often when a person requests materials in alternative formats, they can also benefit from using assistive equipment or support staff. Depending on the training the person is doing, their training provider might be able to apply for assistance in supporting that student.

Identifying what a student needs

Talk with the student about how they currently access information - what works and doesn't work for them
Look at the materials that are used in the training, including those that might be prepared throughout the program
Research the options - the internet is a great tool for this
Develop a plan, including information on costs, timing, and support services
Check with the student that the strategy will meet their needs

Support for training providers

The Vocational Education and Training Disability Support Service (VDSS) offers a range of services to assist students with a disability who are undertaking off-the-job training funded by the Queensland Department of Employment and Training. These services complement support offered by training providers.

Support services include:

assessment of learning support requirements;
assistive equipment and training in its use;
support personnel (sign language interpreters, specialist support workers, carers etc.).
conversion of learning materials into accessible formats

The amount of support provided will vary and is based on individual requirements. There is no cost to the student or the training provider. For more information go to:

http://www.trainandemploy.qld.gov.au/partners/training_delivery/advice_tools_and_resources/people_specific_needs/disability/vdss.htm

Assistive Equipment

If a student requests learning materials in an alternative format, it is likely that they are also using assistive technology. People who are blind, for example, might use screen reading software on a computer. A screen reader converts text into audio or Braille output. A screen reader cannot read a graphic, and this is why text descriptions of graphics are important.

Other examples of commonly used assistive equipment include:

screen magnification software for computers
voice recognition software
alternative keyboards
word prediction software
wrist supports
ergonomic hand tools

Training providers might be eligible to borrow equipment from the VDSS.

Support workers

Roles of support workers for students with a disability include:

sign language interpreters
notetakers
scribes
readers
assistants who help with tasks such as accessing library resources
tutors

More Information on needs of students with a disability

Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training

http://www.adcet.edu.au/

This site is a comprehensive collection of information on topics such as assistive equipment, policies and legislation, and teaching and assessment strategies.

Working with Diversity

Australian National Training Authority

http://www.westone.wa.gov.au/workingwithdiversity/

This resource aims to help training providers provide quality training to people with a disability.