The Inclusive Education Statement for students with disability furthers our commitment to improving learning and wellbeing for students with disability in every school. It builds on the commitment to inclusion set out in the Disability Strategy and was developed together with educators and families.

The Statement marked the next stage of our work to further embed inclusive practice in NSW public schools, including NSW Government preschools.

This Statement focuses on the principles of inclusive practice for students with disability, whilst recognising that improving inclusive practice benefits all students. There are many other aspects of inclusion that the Department addresses, including through our Aboriginal education policy, multicultural education policy and anti-racism policy. We are focussed on achieving and maintaining consistent inclusive practice and high standards across our education system.

Developing the Inclusive Education Statement

We worked closely with teachers, disability and education experts, families, carers, and other stakeholders to develop priority focus areas and a definition of inclusive education.

This Inclusive Education Statement is informed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability, in particular Article 24 on Education. The Australian and NSW Governments have a comprehensive legal and policy framework in place that supports the principles within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability.

By ratifying in 2008 the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Australia joined other countries in a global effort to promote the equal and active participation of all people with disability. The National Disability Strategy 2010 - 2020 focuses our efforts towards achieving a society that is inclusive and enabling, providing equality and the opportunity for each person to fulfil their potential.