Good News For Deaf & Hearing Impaired Students

According to a media release by the Education Department of Victoria, Education Services Minister Jacinta Allan recently announced that new special hardship measures are in place to "help families transport deaf and hearing impaired students to and from government schools with deaf facilities".

Ms Allan said while deaf and hearing impaired students attending these facilities were currently able to access a conveyance allowance of up to $2000 each year to help fund the costs of transport, she has planned to set up an additional process to help those families facing hardship.

It further goes onto mention that applications will be judged on a case by case basis. Factors taken into consideration will include:
· Capacity to travel independently;
· Family circumstances;
· Financial hardship;
· Impracticality of other travel options;
· Availability of a suitable educational facility at a reasonable distance; and
· Availability of other suitable transport assistance.

“The Bracks Government is committed to helping all students get the best possible education, that is why we have worked with the families of deaf and hearing impaired students and set up this new support process,” Ms Allan was quoted as saying.

The good news is that students who are currently provided with transport to and from deaf facilities, will continue to receive it. While students who attend deaf special schools will also continue to be provided transport.

It is reported that currently $1.66 million is allocated to meet transport costs for students attending deaf facilities and dedicated deaf special schools throughout the State.

“The Bracks Government will continue to provide assistance to deaf and hearing impaired children and their families, but there is still more to do,” Ms Allan said. This isn't all talk either with the Bracks Government promising to spend almost $340 million on supporting children with disabilities through the Program for Students with Disabilities.

“I am particularly concerned that there be an even spread of supports in place so deaf and hearing impaired students do not have to travel too far to reach the help they need. We will work with the PHICV and Deaf Children Australia to increase the provision of deaf facilities in mainstream schools going forward.