Shine Magazine, Issue 9, October 2009 - Department of Education ...

34 Oct 09
Resource
Breaking down the
barriers of disability
Schools across Victoria will be even more welcoming to people with a disability,
thanks to a new resource kit launched last month.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike and Community Services Minister
Lisa Neville launched the Bar None Community Awareness Kit at North
Melbourne Primary School on 10 September. The kit includes curriculum
units for Prep to Year 8 students that are linked to the Victorian Essential
Learning Standards, a professional development module, a teacher
information booklet and a DVD featuring real-life stories about students
with a disability, their families, teachers and principals.
Ms Pike said the kit aims to assist in breaking down any fears or barriers
towards people with a disability, and has been distributed to government,
independent and Catholic primary and secondary schools and governmentfunded
kindergartens state wide.
“There are 55,000 school-aged children with a disability or additional
learning needs in Victoria and that is why we need to continue to support
teachers in creating more inclusive and welcoming learning environments,”
Ms Pike said. “Every child has the right to a great education and the life
chances that this brings, and that is why we have developed a resource that
will help all students to better understand disability. This is a crucial step in
making our schools even more welcoming, giving students with a disability
the best chance of doing well at school and succeeding in life.”
Down Syndrome Victoria president Kirsten Deane attended the launch with
her daughter, Sophie, who is in Year 2 and has Down Syndrome. Ms Deane
and Sophie were involved in the development of the kit and Ms Deane is
confident it will benefit school communities.
“The dreams I have for Sophie are the same dreams I have for my other
kids. I want them to go to school, to get an education, and to find a
job that is meaningful and they enjoy,” Ms Deane said. “The resources
provided in the kit will assist in building a safe learning environment
to talk about some issues and potential fears people might have about
disability and more importantly how they can then move forward with
increased knowledge and awareness.”
For more information or to obtain a copy of the Bar None
Community Resource Kit visit www.officefordisability.vic.gov.au
Minister Pike with Down Syndrome Victoria president
Kirsten Deane, her daughter Sophie, and Community
Services Minister Lisa Neville at the launch of the Bar
None Community Awareness Kit at North Melbourne PS.