There is a great deal of evidence that families play a critical role in their child’s learning and development. This resource details engagement strategies for families of children with disability by elaborating on the ‘promising approaches’ outlined in the Australian Education Research Organisation’s (AERO) family engagement for early learning practice guides (which target early childhood services for 3- to 5-year-olds). In this resource, the term ‘disability’ also encompasses any children with developmental delay who may require additional support within an education and care setting. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 protects Australians from discrimination based on disability. A child with a disability is entitled by law to be provided with an education program that is appropriate for their development and academic needs. Under the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (‘the standards’), education providers are obligated to make reasonable adjustments, consult with children and their families, and eliminate harassment and victimisation. The standards place responsibility for family
engagement on services, educators and teachers. This supports the requirements to build partnerships with families set out in the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standard.

There is a great deal of evidence that families play a critical role in their child’s learning and development. This resource details engagement strategies for families of children with disability by elaborating on the ‘promising approaches’ outlined in the Australian Education Research Organisation’s (AERO) family engagement for learning practice guides. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 protects Australians from discrimination based on disability. A child with a disability is entitled by law to be provided with an education program that is appropriate for their development and academic needs. Under the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (‘the standards’), education providers are obligated to make reasonable adjustments, consult with children and their families, and eliminate harassment and victimisation. The standards place responsibility for family engagement on schools, teachers and leaders. Families are important partners in supporting the learning of their children, so it is vital to understand how to work with them effectively as part of this engagement responsibility.

This interactive and conversational session will focus on increasing awareness of AEM to families of students who receive special education. We’ll talk about barriers that can impede access, such as ableism and bias, and how increasing their knowledge can support their advocacy so their youth receive access and accommodations that create opportunities and possibilities!