Obligation to consult
Education providers must consult in order to understand a student's disability and to work out if any adjustments or changes are needed to assist the student. An education provider should firstly consult and get the ideas of the student themselves. If further information is required or there is some reason that makes consultation with the student impossible the education provider may talk to important Associates, such as family members or carers.
When an education provider and a student with disability consult one another, they should try to cover at least these four points:
- Work out what the challenges, needs or barriers are for the student. The student should provide medical and therapist reports that help to explain their disability and what adjustments are needed.
- Suggest ways to overcome these things. In other words, what adjustments could the education provider make to overcome these things?
- Discuss whether you think these adjustments are reasonable. Is there another easier and better way to overcome these things? In other words, is there a different adjustment that you didn't think of earlier?
- Ask the education provider to provide you with a letter about what was discussed when you were consulting and what decisions were made. Ask the education provider to give you a specific date when they will notify you about what adjustments will or will not be made.
The Education Standards do not explain exactly what 'consult' means, but they do give some suggestions
For example proper consultation might also include:
- Regular meetings to make sure all is going well and change supports if needed. Records should be kept of these meetings
- Professional reports about the needs and supports that can help a student. This might include having an occupational therapist to assess types of furniture and equipment that can best help a student with a physical disability. It might also include psychological reports to help design good learning strategies for students who might have learning difficulties.
The obligation to consult continues for the whole time that the student is involved with the education provider - from enrolment to receiving recognition that they have completed the program.
If a person is in doubt it's always good to seek advice. Contact one of the agencies that are listed on this website if assistance is required.
