Back to School: A Guide for Families of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Australia

Preparing for a new school year or educational transition can be daunting, exciting and overwhelming, particularly when you may have concerns about your own Communication and Educational needs.

With the new year upon us already, it is important to think about what might be required for yourself or others, prior to starting Kindergarten, Primary School, High School or University.

Below are some things for you to consider doing.

1. Vision Testing: A Foundation for Learning Success

Considering that many of us are extremely screen dependent, having an eye test is the first place to start. The majority of a person's learning is done via eyesight, so vision and eye co-ordination is extremely important when in comes to school and performance, not just academically, but physically, including activities such as things that involve using your eyesight to develop the ability to judge depth and distance when playing sporting activities.

Why It Matters

• Vision challenges can affect reading, writing, and participation in the classroom.
• Early detection enables timely interventions like glasses or vision therapy.
• Any changes or abnormalities can be found by an Optometrist early, an if so, can be treated effectively so that it does not have any great impacts on your future learning or Education.

What You Can Do

• Schedule Eye Tests: Medicare covers comprehensive eye exams with Optometrists.
• Annual Vision Checks: It is recommended that you undertake an eye test at least once a year, but your optometrist will be able to provide you with further advice.
• Seek Specialized Services: Organistions like the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) provide expert assessments and Support.

Resources

• Association for Children with a Disability (ACD): www.acd.org.au | (03) 9880 7000
• Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC): www.ridbc.org.au | 1300 581 391
• ProVision: Back to school eye test
• Vic Gov: Getting assessed for vision impairment

2. Hearing Assessments: Building Communication Skills

Hearing tests are a really useful diagnostic tool that can determine if you or others are frequently missing vital pieces of information due to hearing loss or other communication issues. You may also have an undiagnosed auditory processing delay or speech issue, such as trouble writing, reading, or following instructions given in noisy environments. Hearing problems may also impact memory and speech. So, finding the causes of your hearing loss is extremely important. A yearly hearing check is recommended.

Why It Matters

• Hearing impairments may impact language development, classroom engagement, and social interactions.
• Early detection allows for interventions like hearing aids or tailored classroom accommodations.

What You Can Do

• Book a Hearing Test: Hearing Australia offers free assessments under the Community Service Obligation program.
• State Services: Access hearing assessments through early intervention programs in your state (e.g., ECEI in NSW, ECIS in Victoria).
• Act Early: If your child has a history of ear infections or shows signs of difficulty hearing, schedule a test immediately.

Resources

• Hearing Australia : www.hearing.com.au | 134 432
• Vic Gov : hearing assessments
• Vic Gov : hearing loss support early childhood and school

3. Communicating with the Education Support Team

Building strong relationships with your child's school Support team ensures that their unique needs are understood and accommodated.

Why It Matters

• Teachers and support staff need time to develop tailored strategies for your child.
• Proactive communication helps avoid delays in implementing necessary supports.
• Collaboration ensures that educational goals align with therapy and support plans.

What You Can Do

• Contact Early: Reach out to the school's Learning Support Co-ordinator at least six months before the transition.
• Request Transition Planning Meetings: Include current teachers, future staff, therapists, and NDIS coordinators (if applicable) in transition discussions.
• Prepare Documentation: Share medical reports, therapy assessments, NDIS plans, previous educational adjustment, equipment requirements and emergency health plans.

Resources

• Cerebral Palsy Alliance: www.cerebralpalsy.org.au | 1300 888 378

Classroom adjustments - Cerebral Palsy: This resource from the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disabilities (NCCD), features a child with Cerebral Palsy and his mother, who discuss the practices that schools can adapt in order to make the premises and the classrooms more accessible for students with Cerebral Palsy.

4. Engaging with the Disability Liaison Unit (DLU)

For students transitioning to Secondary school, University, or TAFE, working with the DLU ensures that adjustments and Supports are in place.

Why It Matters

• DLUs coordinate adjustments like accessible facilities, assistive technology, and modified learning materials.
• Engaging early allows for thorough planning and smooth implementation of Supports.

What You Can Do

Below is a suggested timeline for Support implementation.

12 months before transition:

Initial contact with Disability Liaison Unit

Documentation review

Preliminary needs assessment

Six months before:

Facility accessibility audit

Equipment requirements finalised

Support staff training arranged

3 months before:

Final adjustments confirmed

Support staff orientation

Emergency procedures reviewed

Resources

Melbourne University Disability Support: Email | (03) 8344 6734

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Website: www.cerebralpalsy.org.au Phone: 1300 888 378 Services: Education Support, Therapy services, Transition planning

Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) Website: www.cyda.org.au Phone: 1800 222 660 Services: Education, Advocacy, Resource provision

Starting high school - a guide for teens with Cerebral Palsy: This resource from the website CanChild guides teenagers with Cerebral Palsy, their parents, and school staff to navigate the transition to high school.

5. The Disability Standards for Education 2005 (DSE)

The Australian Government's DSE ensures that students with disabilities have equitable access to education. It defines the rights of students and the obligations of educational institutions under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. We provided an overview of the DSE resources here.

Why It Matters

• The DSE promotes understanding of legal rights and obligations.
• It provides a framework for reasonable adjustments and inclusive practices.
• Periodic reviews ensure ongoing improvements in education standards.

What You Can Do

• Use Guides and Toolkits: Available in multiple formats (e.g., Easy Read, Auslan) for families and Educators.
• Develop Advocacy Skills: Resources help families advocate for their children's rights and address concerns with Education providers.

Resources

Australian Department of Education's DSE Page: Visit Here

CPSN's overview of the Disability Standards for Education

6. NDIS Support for School Transitions

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can provide funding for various Supports to assist children with educational transitions.

Why It Matters

NDIS funding ensures access to Assistive technology, Therapy, and Support Workers. It enables tailored transition plans that align with a child's goals and needs.

What You Can Do

Review the NDIS Plan: Ensure it includes necessary school transition Supports.

Co-ordinate with Providers: Work with Allied Health professionals to update assessments and recommendations.

Resources

• NDIA: www.ndis.gov.au |1800 800 110

Final Thoughts

Transitioning back to school or starting a new Educational chapter can be a rewarding experience with the right preparation. By addressing Health needs, fostering Communication with Educators, and leveraging resources like the DSE and NDIS, families can set their children on a path to success.

Start early, Advocate confidently, and build a Support network to ensure your child has every opportunity to thrive in their Education.

Note: Contact details and specific program names and details may have changed since this blog was written- please verify current information with the relevant organisations for the most updated information.

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