Students at Victoria’s specialist schools will soon get the help they need to make the most of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding and support available to them, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Announcing the roll out of the NDIS Navigators program at the Victorian College for the Deaf this morning, Minister for Education Ben Carroll is making sure no family misses out on support.
Families of children living with disability know how challenging it can be to navigate a system that feels like it’s been set up to fail them – so the Labor Government is investing $21.2 million to introduce NDIS Navigators into all specialist schools by the end of 2025.
NDIS Navigators will provide direct support to families and carers to help them to navigate the NDIS, including how to access the NDIS, prepare for plan reviews and access the right supports.
More than 30 schools, including the Victorian College for the Deaf, now have the funding to hire a NDIS Navigator who will work with families to navigate the NDIS system – and they will be in every one of the state’s 86 specialist schools by the end of 2025.
A full list of the schools is available at education.vic.gov.au/pal/ndis-navigators/policy.
These latest initiatives build on the $3 billion the Labor Government has already invested in inclusive education, including upgrades to every single specialist school in the state, more support for students in the classroom and facilities so every child gets the chance to play, learn and grow, no matter their needs.
As stated by Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“Our investment in special school infrastructure, support and the nation-leading Disability Inclusion reforms are giving students with disability the support they deserve.”
As stated by Minister for Disability Lizzie Blandthorn
“No family should miss out on support they are entitled to, and NDIS Navigators will help them find their way through what is a complex space.”
As stated by Member for Southern Metropolitan John Berger
“We’re proud to support more children in our special schools – focusing on ensuring they reach their full potential in life.”
