The Disability Standards for Education were designed to clarify the obligations of education providers under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and to give practical effect to Australia’s commitments under the CRPD, particularly Article 24 on inclusive education.
As a rights-based sector committed to systemic reform, we view the standards as a critical framework for ensuring students with disability can access and participate in education on equal terms. Yet, nearly two decades on, implementation remains inconsistent, accountability is weak, and students with disability continue to face exclusion, discrimination, and neglect across education settings. Our experience supporting families reveals that the promise of inclusive education remains far from being realised.
QAI recently made a submission to the Australian Government and the Department of Education recommending reforms to the standards for education.
Read our submission here: