All Australian education providers have obligations to students with disability.

Under the Disability Standards for Education (2005) (The Standards) all principals and teachers have legal obligations to ensure that every student is able to participate in the curriculum on the same basis as their peers through rigorous, meaningful and dignified learning. The Disability Standard for Education is Australian law under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992.

This does not mean every student should have the same experiences.

On the same basis means that students with disability should have the same opportunities and choices in their education as students without disability.

This may be achieved by making reasonable adjustments to suit each individual student's education needs and may include any reasonable adjustments to the learning program or to the school's physical environment – and the provision of additional support – to assist each student fulfil his or her potential.

The Standards apply to all areas of education and training – preschools, schools, vocation education and TAFE, universities and adult and community education, as well as to organisations that develop and accredit curricula and courses. They apply to government and non-government schools.

The Standards cover all aspects of education and training:

• enrolment
• participation
• curriculum development, accreditation and delivery
• student support services
• elimination of harassment and victimisation.

Key aspects of the Standards require schools and other education providers to:

• treat students with disability on the same basis as students without disability
  
• make reasonable adjustments to student's learning program and/or learning environment.
• consult with the student or their parents and carers on the reasonable adjustments that will be provided.