Blind Citizens Australia (BCA): National Policy

Education

Blind Citizens Australia: Education Policy

Creating Accessible Teaching and Support (CATS) project
On the 28th March 2006, the CATS Project was formally launched in Sydney. This project was established to design a framework for good practice and provide information and resources to assist universities create equitable access for students with a disability and to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and the Disability Standards for Education. BCA was on the Steering Committee of the CATS project from the time of its inception.

While the project is aimed at university administrators, academics and policy makers, it is a resource students can use as a tool of advocacy during their time at university to ensure they receive best practice.

You can find out more about the CATS project by visiting their website.

National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy
In early April 2005, BCA made a submission to the National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy undertaken by the federal Department of Education, Science and Training. Amongst other important matters, BCA’s submission strongly advocated for the teaching of braille in primary and secondary schools.

BCA’ National Policy Officer published an article on the issue of literacy for Access Online, Australia’s Online Disability Journal.

Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Standards on Education)
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)1992 Standard on Education passed the Australian Parliament during August 2005 without amendment. This standard clarify's the responsibility education providers have to make reasonable adjustments in the way education services are delivered to people with disabilities.

Helpful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) on the DDA Standards Project can be found on the HREOC website.

Specific information on the DDA - Standards on Accessible Transport can be found in the National Policy 'Transport and the Built Environment'.

National Inquiry into Teacher Education
On Thursday 17 February 2005 the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, asked the House Standing Committee on Education and Vocational Training Committee to inquire into Teacher Education.

BCA made a submission to this inquiry.

Education Links
South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment

University of New South Wales Student Guild Special Needs Department

Today's Date: 14/03/10 Last updated:11/02/2007

Copyright Notice Disclaimer: External Links

Blind Citizens Australia. Ross House, Level 3, 247-251 Flinders Lane, MELBOURNE VIC 3000. Telephone: (03) 9654 1400 or 1800 033 660. TTY: (03) 9639 1728. Facsimile: (03) 9650 3200. E-mail: bca@bca.org.au