Students with disability and their parents and carers told the 2020 Review of the Disability Standards for Education that there is a 'power imbalance between them and education providers', according to its recently published report, which includes a new action plan to address some major issues uncovered.

Parents said they felt 'it was up to them to understand the laws and education system so they can advocate for reasonable adjustments'.

The report also says that schools and education providers were 'unaware of their responsibilities under the Standards or do not have the information they need to implement them. Students with disability had better experiences when their educators and education providers had a good understanding of the Standards and knew how to follow the Standards,' and found that 'accountability for making sure the Standards are followed needs to be improved.'

In response the government is taking action aimed at:

• Empowering and supporting students with disability and their families, including clearer rules on consulting with students with disability and their families and handling issues and complaints.
• Strengthening the knowledge and capability of educators and providers, including information for education providers and training on the Standards for school teachers and leaders
• Providing more accountability for the Standards throughout education, including making sure education policies match the Standards
• Building awareness and capability in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector.

The Disability Standards are designed to help make sure 'students with disability can access and participate in education and training on the same basis as students without disability. This includes preschool, school, vocational education and training, and higher education. The Standards explain the responsibilities education providers have under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.'

The 2020 Review of the Standards heard from students with disability, as well as their parents and carers and disability advocacy groups. It also heard from educators and education providers. The Review had a focus on the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families.

For more information, go to www.dese.gov.au/disability-standards-education-2005/2020-review-disability-standards-education-2005.