Enhancing Student Voice to Support Inclusion

Student voice is the latest buzz word in education. Student voice provides the opportunity to communicate ideas and opinions, but more importantly, it has the power to influence change. Much attention is given within the literature to including the voice of students due to the strong connection between student voice and increased student achievement. Paradoxically, little attention has been given to the use of authentic student voice for students who are arguably the most oppressed group within society, those with disability. Yet, the Disability Standards for Education (2005) set out a process for teachers to make reasonable adjustments so that students with disability can access the curriculum on the same basis as other students. This webinar focuses on these adjustments to facilitate student voice for students with disability.

We will discuss:

• Barriers to student voice.
• Facilitators of student voice.
• The Communication Bill of Rights.
• Supporting key stakeholders to understand the importance of student voice.

Intended Audience:

Teachers, parents and other professionals who are interested in inclusive education and social justice.

Presenter:

Dr Leanne Longfellow is a teacher, academic researcher and a parent of a young adult with disabilities. Her teaching career spans over 30 years and includes special education, early intervention and mainstream contexts. Leanne has provided numerous professional learning sessions for educators and presented at both Australian and international educational conferences.

Participants who choose the option 'Ebook and certificate' will receive:

• A certificate of attendance referenced to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers ✳︎
• Electronic handouts of the notes and suggested reading.

✳︎ Completing this workshop will contribute one hour of professional learning addressing 1:6 'Design and implement teaching activities that support the participation and learning of students with disability and address relevant policy and legislative requirements' from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher accreditation.

Testimonials from previous workshops:

'I loved that the topics covered and information expressed was applicable to all students not just those with special needs. It’s a whole class approach too! Very practical!' Nicole Zacher

'I liked the way the professional learning was presented with strategies to support behaviours.' Amelia Pickard

'Clear and to the point. Relatable to school environment. Do-able'. Marie Foreman'

'Full of information and examples, scenarios and ideas to take away. Talk time at the end of the session was good to be able to discuss different strategies'. Leesa

'I liked the examples during the slideshow. Breakdown of behaviour management strategies used now and overtime and how they have/ haven’t worked.' Alison McConachy

'Informative. Practical ideas for students with learning disabilities.' Helen Braley

'The strategies were clearly set out and identified and explained thoroughly.' Emily Shepherd

'This workshop exceeded all my expectations.' Abbie Kemp