In this episode, we turn our attention to the knowledge and insights of parents when it comes to imputed disability. This is when a school determines that a student with additional learning needs has an undiagnosed disability that has a functional impact on their schooling. It explores stories where parents, in collaboration with schools, not only assist them to understand student need and functional impact to impute disability but positively contribute to understanding the adjustments required to support a student’s individual learning needs at school.  

You’ll meet primary school student William who displayed early signs of difficulty with reading. His mum, Renee, talks about how important it is to recognise the role parents play as ‘experts’ of their own child. She says parents are key advocates in communicating their own child’s needs. Inclusion specialist Sam Pollack explains how it’s easier to understand a student’s motivators when parents and schools work collaboratively. And Sue Tape from Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) shares effective communication strategies that can be actioned for classroom success.  

Credits

Host/Producer

Serpil Şenelmiş, Written & Recorded

Producer/Audio Engineer

James Brandis, Written & Recorded

This is an Education Services Australia podcast.

Find all episodes of Disability conversations on the NCCD Portal.