SYNOPSIS

School participation is vital for children with disabilities.  We will describe the current situation for students with a disability who attend their local school in Victoria. Background and challenges that students, families and schools currently experience will be discussed. Findings from research that involved a study of students, teachers, parents, principals and allied health professionals will be presented to highlight supports, services, and strategies that enabled students with cerebral palsy to experience success at school. Choices in schooling are highly valued and attending local schools are a worthwhile goal for students with cerebral palsy. The manager of a local centre that provides allied health support to students with cerebral palsy in local schools; a principal from a school with a diverse school community; and two parents will describe real life examples of children with cerebral palsy in in Victoria.

SPEAKERS

Helen Bourke-Taylor PhD: Occupational therapist and researcher from Australian Catholic University, and former Allied Health Representative to the Federal Government Schools Disability Advisory Council.

Ms Claire Cotter: Occupational therapist and manager of a Cerebral Palsy Education Centre.

Mr Brad Harris and Ms Josie Upfield: Parents of a child with a physical disability who attends local school.

Mr Ray Kaso: Primary school principal from a school with a diverse student body that includes students with cerebral palsy, in the Eastern suburbs.