AASW Webinar Recording | Disability and the Education System

This session will offer participants practical skills and knowledge in understanding the interplay between disability and the education system. It will discuss how a human rights and social justice framework are central to supporting children with disability in the school system.

The course will further explore the hierarchy of disability, funding opportunities and advocacy pathways for children and adolescents. Social work has a unique role to play in supporting children with disability within the Australian school system. As social workers may be employed in a variety of job roles within (and adjacent to) schools in each State and Territory, it is important for all practitioners to understand the interplay between social work values, disability and the education system.

This session will begin with a brief overview of disability presentations in schools, avenues for support and funding opportunities. Drawing from this context, the webinar will provide reflection on how social workers can support children with disability in the school system through a human rights and a social justice framework.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Disability Discrimination Act and Disability Standards of Education will be central to the webinar, reinforcing the framework for the social work profession in the school system. It will further reinforce the importance of understanding these conventions, acts and standards in advocating for disability support. Case studies will be provided in order to connect theory with practice.

Finally, the webinar will examine the role of the Social Worker within the school system. Building on this understanding, the session will examine how social workers have a unique opportunity to influence school culture, through relationship development and how these processes embody social work values.

Key strategies and approaches to working with people of influence and effecting culture change will be explored, drawing on the presenter’s own experience in school-based social work. A self-assessment quiz is also included.

Who should register? Social workers and allied health practitioners who work in schools, or with young people in disability, OOHC and children protection contexts are encouraged to attend. This webinar will be valuable for social workers of all levels of experience, including graduates and those not already working in schools.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the nature of disability, its presentation and its support within the education system.
• Critically reflect on the importance of a working knowledge of the human rights convention, disability discrimination legislation and the disability standards of education.
• Consider strategies and approaches to effect culture change and strengthen relationships within the education system.

AASW Credentials: Disability; School