In February 2005, Federal Parliament passed the bill endorsing Disability Standards for Education.  These standards are written to clarify the application of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), within the specific context of education (from kindergarten through to tertiary study).

The standards and guidance notes are available in RTF or PDF formats, from http://www.dest.gov.au/research/publications/disability_standards/default.htm.

The Standards look at five areas:

• Enrolment

• Participation

• Curriculum development, accreditation and delivery

• Student support services

• Elimination of harassment and victimisation

In each of these areas, there is a statement of rights of students with disabilities, and a description of legal responsibilities of education providers.  There is then a description possible ways that providers can show that they are complying with the Standards. 

There is the disclaimer, in effect, that:

• Just because you take the measures described you might not be fully meeting the needs of all students with a disability

• You can meet the needs of students with a disability (and your legal obligations) in other ways that are not described

The Standards also look at how the DDA covers treatment of people who are associates of a person with a disability, and exceptions to the legal obligations.

The Guidance Notes that relate to the Standards are to help people understand implications of the Standards.