Teachers and students in Western Victoria are being encouraged to think about how they can improve school facilities for students with disabilities or special needs, with round two of funding now open under the Inclusive Schools Fund.
Local Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP urged all Western Victorian schools to apply for funding.
The Andrews Labor Government established the Inclusive Schools Fund to help government schools build new facilities to better support the social and educational needs of children with a disability.
Schools are encouraged to be creative and innovative with their ideas to make interesting and stimulating learning and play spaces that will benefit all students, including those with special needs.
The Andrews Labor Government doubled the Inclusive Schools Fund in Victorian Budget 2016/17, meaning a total of $20 million will be delivered to schools over four years.
Round two of the funding will deliver $5.5 million to schools across Victoria.
The Fund is one of nine initiatives in the Special Needs Plan for Victorian Schools to ensure that students with disabilities get the same chances as other students, and fulfils a key election commitment.
Applications close on 29 September 2016. Schools can download the guidelines and application form for the Inclusive Schools Fund at www.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/inclusiveschoolsfund
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“We want all students in Western Victoria – regardless of ability, circumstance or postcode, to have the skills and opportunities they need to be their best.”
“I want schools in Western Victoria to re-imagine their surroundings and come up with creative ideas about how they can be made accessible to everyone.
“No ideas are too big and none are too small – we want schools in Western Victoria to be inclusive for all students.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“This Fund is helping make our schools even better for students with disabilities and special needs.”