A number of community groups with inclusive education programs will receive a share in $600,000 of grants, helping support students with disability throughout their education.
The annual Inclusive Education Support Grants funding will help renew a number of programs and continue pathways for students with a disability to attend mainstream schooling.
Down Syndrome Association NT have received $60,690 to provide specialised support to students and families, to navigate transitions and access education.
The program will connect Down Syndrome Association NT with all schools across the NT who support a student with Down Syndrome, to build a network of specialised practitioners and integrate the learning strengths of their students.
It also promotes and supports best practice inclusive teaching strategies and creates a platform of ongoing engagement with school personnel and parents.
The grants support not-for-profit and non-government organisations that provide programs to children with disabilities to improve their access and engagement in education.
The funding will be provided annually for the next three years, falling under the Department of Education’s Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Services and Programs unit.
Other recipients of the Inclusive Education Support Grants include Autism NT Inc, Riding for the Disabled Top End Inc, Brother to Another Ltd, The Central Australian Toy Library Inc, Deaf Services Ltd and Vision Australia Ltd.
Minister for Disabilities, Ngaree Ah Kit: “These grants will help improve the livelihoods and outcomes for children living with a disability, through important and meaningful programs.
“We know how important it is to continue to develop and support those living with a disability and thank the hardworking organisations.
“I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Minister for Education Eva Lawler for providing access to these grants.”
DSANT Chief Executive Officer, Rachel Kroes “The Down Syndrome Association NT are delighted to receive an Inclusive Education Support Grant for the Down Syndrome Schools Support Program which is delivered to every school who supports a student with Down syndrome across the Territory.
“This three-year grant funding is an investment in students with Down syndrome, their schoolteachers, and their families.
“Through this grant our program can support students and their families to build their knowledge about Down syndrome and the unique learning styles which bring about successful engagement and learning outcomes. Our program will continue to support teachers in their professional development building the specialist skills necessary to sustain an accessible curriculum and classroom for Territorians with Down syndrome.”
