Dr. Nola Firth, senior researcher at The Centre for Adolescent Health and a learning disabilities specialist, is a member of the DEEWR Expert Panel for the National Model for Identifying Students with a Disability. In his capacity she was an invited participant at the National Schools Disability Stakeholder Forum on September 6. Dr. Firth joined key school disability stakeholder representatives from community and educational
organisations and universities.

The group was addressed by The Hon. Peter Garrett, Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, and Hon. Senator Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, as well as several other speakers including Dr. Rhonda Galbally AO, Chair National People with Disabilities and Carers Council. These speakers presented an update on the state of disability support in schools and the urgent need for and progress of this reform.  Reforms include work on establishment of a National Disability Insurance Scheme, a National Model for Identifying Students with a Disability, initiatives towards future support for disability within the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, including within Naplan testing, and inclusion of informed disability support within new national Professional Standards for Teachers. Hon Peter Garrett informed Dr. Firth that a federal response to the recommendations presented by the Dyslexia Work Party, of which Dr Firth is also a member, is currently under consideration.