Students with disability, Frequently Asked Questions - National Secondary School Computer Fund

Yes.

For some students with disability, equipment other than standard computers or laptops might be more appropriate. Schools with students with these needs may choose to access a different approach which aims to promote greater independence for students with disability and enable them to participate more fully in digital learning environments.

No.

Under the current funding arrangement the number of computers is multiplied by $1000 (per unit) to calculate the amount of funding provided under the National Secondary School Computer Funding Agreement to each education authority. This is calculated to bring the computer to student ratio at the school to 1:2 for year 9 – 12 students. While schools may now apply to use this funding more flexibly for students with disability, the funding formula remains the same.

Please contact the principal of the school your child attends.

Yes.

Schools with students enrolled in Years 9 - 12 that meet the criteria of a student with disability as stated under the Schools Assistance Act 2004 (part 1, Section 4) are eligible to consider this flexibility within the Round Two Guidelines. 

The Schools Assistance Act 2004 (part 1, Section 4) defines a student with disability as:

‘a student:

(a) who attends a government school, a government centre, a non‑government school (whether or not as a distance education student) or a non‑government centre; and
(b) in respect of whom a disability assessment has been made’.

Under the Act, a disability assessment means:

‘for a child or a student, means an assessment, by a person with relevant qualifications, that the child or student has an intellectual impairment, a sensory impairment, a physical impairment, a social impairment, an emotional impairment or more than one of those impairments to a degree that satisfies the criteria for eligibility to access:

(a) special education services; or

(b) special education programs;

provided by the Government of the State in which the child or student resides’.

For students identified as meeting the criteria and where standard computers or laptops are deemed not appropriate, schools may wish to consider applying for funds to purchase ICT equipment which best supports their students’ learning needs. 

This might include: 

• multimedia resources;
• interactive white boards;
• adaptive devices; and
• interface software.

To calculate the portion of funds you wish to use to purchase specific ICT equipment for students with disability:

• Note the number of students with disability in your school that require specific ICT equipment
• Divide by this number by two (ratio is 1 to 2)
• Multiply by $1000 (nominal unit cost).   

For example:

If you have

• 20 students with disability that require ICT equipment other than computers

• divide by two = 10,
• multiply by the unit cost of $1000 = $10,000

Therefore this school may apply to use up to $10,000 of eligible funding from the National Secondary School Computer Fund for specific ICT equipment to be of direct benefit to the students identified.

Yes.

To calculate the new maximum number of computers your school needs to reach a target ratio of 1:2:

• Divide the number of students with disability that require specific ICT equipment by 2
• Subtract this number from the number at B1. on the Round Two Application Form

For example:

If B1. on your Round Two Application Form reads:

• 200

• You have 20 students with disability that require specific ICT equipment
• The new maximum number of computers you can apply for is 200 – 10 = 190. 

Therefore this school may apply for a maximum of 190 computers in Round Two of the National Secondary School Computer Fund and the use of $10,000 for specific ICT equipment for student with disability.

As for Round Two, schools are required to complete an on-line application form which will be made available through the School Entry Point. Applications must be submitted using the National Secondary School Computer Fund online application form. You need to follow the instructions in the document Students with disability- how to apply for equipment other than computers  (223.0 KB).

Applications can only be submitted during the application round. We encourage schools to start registering now on School Entry Point (if they have not already done so) as this will ensure fast access to the application form.

Yes.

Your school’s ICT Strategic Plan must include details of how your school will meet the ICT needs of students with disability if your school wishes to apply for flexibility within the National Secondary School Computer Fund.  For more information on ICT Strategic Plans see 3.2.1 National Secondary School Computer Fund Round Two Guidelines, ICT Strategic Plan.

Specifically, please address the following within your school’s ICT Strategic Plan:

·         how your school assesses the ICT needs of students with disability;

·         your school’s current approach to ICT for students with disability; and

·         how additional ICT specific equipment would complement the school’s current approach.

Yes.

1. Review your ICT Strategic Plan to ensure inclusion of students with disability.
2. Complete page 5 of the document Students with disability- how to apply for equipment other than computers  (223.0 KB).
3. Forward these documents to digitaleducationrevolution@deewr.gov.au.

We will then forward the information to the relevant assessor.