If we hold community inclusion as a goal for people with disability, this must begin in our schools. Inclusive education provides a lifelong foundation for social inclusion and participation.
When students are able to attend their local school alongside their neighbourhood peers, they have the chance to make friends in their community. The local school provides opportunities for academic learning and for participation in the ordinary rituals of school life – concerts, sports days, camps, and excursions.
Research evidence shows that including students with disability in their local school is best for the student with disability academically, socially and vocationally, but it also has a positive influence on the non-disabled peers, their families and the broader community.
Inclusive education is a human right enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability and CRU is keen to assist students, their families and supporters to make that right a reality.
Current Projects
Families for Inclusive Education Project
CRU's "Families for Inclusive Education” (FFIE) project is in its third year of funding by the Department of Education. We aim to build the capacity of families to advocate for, nurture, and sustain their child’s successful participation in inclusive education. This project:
- supports families to have a clear vision for their son or daughter and become more informed about inclusive education and current inclusive education policies,
- helps families develop communication and advocacy skills so they can work effectively with their child’s school,
- builds families’ confidence and support networks so they can sustain their efforts as valued partners in their child’s education,
- provides information and resourcing to service providers including schools.
Inclusive education, in early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, adult and community education, is the foundation for social inclusion and participation of all citizens.
From the Blue Skies Scenario, Blue Skies Group Queensland 2009
Making inclusion work
We have factsheets, webinars and resources rich with ideas, stories and practical strategies.
Project Activities
- Workshops in 15 locations across Queensland to help families work more effectively with their child’s school
- Hosting online workshops on a range of topics
- Providing information and individual consultations (by phone and email) to families and others who support the education of students with disability
- Developing peer support networks
- Developing and disseminating case studies and resources
- Looking at how we can more effectively engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Travel Support
A small amount of travel support funding is available for eligible regional families to attend their closest workshop. Parents/guardians of students with disability currently enrolled in a Queensland state school can apply through CRU to access this support.
If you would like an individual consultation or have questions about the Families for Inclusive Education Project, please email educationproject@cru.org.au or call us on 07 3844 2211.
Fee For Service
Alongside our funded project work on this topic, CRU offers training and consultation packages on a fee for service basis.
Our skilled disability consultants work alongside you to assist you and your supporters to become clear, confident and in control as you strive for the good things in life.
For more information visit the Fee For Service section of our website.
Join our mailing list
Find out about upcoming events in your area, get new resources and keep up to date with this project.
If you are experiencing trouble with this form, please call us on 07 3844 2211.
