As parents, we all want our children to thrive at school, both academically and socially. However, for some children, the standard classroom environment may not meet their unique needs. This is where reasonable adjustments come in. Understanding your child’s right to reasonable adjustments and how to request them from their school can make a significant difference in their educational journey.

In this guide, we’ll explain what reasonable adjustments are, how they work, and how to request them. This information is based on key legislation, including the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth), and the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. We’ll also explore what is feasible for schools and provide examples of reasonable adjustments for different categories of need.

What Are Reasonable Adjustments?

Reasonable adjustments are changes or supports put in place by schools to help students with disabilities or additional needs fully participate in their education. These adjustments aim to create an inclusive learning environment where every child, regardless of their abilities or differences, can access the curriculum and thrive. These adjustments are a legal requirement under both the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Schools must make adjustments to ensure that students with disabilities have access to education on an equal basis with their peers.

The Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth) provide further clarification, stating that reasonable adjustments should be made after consulting with the student and their family, and taking into account the student’s specific needs and circumstances.

Legal Framework Supporting Reasonable Adjustments

• Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic): This law prohibits discrimination in education based on various attributes, including disability. Schools are required to make reasonable adjustments unless doing so would impose an unjustifiable hardship on the school.
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth): This federal law makes it unlawful for schools to discriminate against students with disabilities. Schools are required to provide reasonable adjustments to support the student’s participation in school, provided this does not cause undue hardship to the school.
• Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth): These standards set out the responsibilities of education providers to ensure that students with disabilities can access and participate in education on an equal basis with other students. The standards provide specific guidance on how schools should comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.
• Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (2008): This declaration highlights the importance of providing a high-quality, inclusive education for all students, including those with disabilities, and creating a supportive learning environment.

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments will vary depending on your child’s specific needs, the resources available at the school, and what is considered feasible. Below are some examples of adjustments across different categories:

1. Physical Disabilities

Children with physical disabilities may need changes to the physical environment or support for mobility.

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  • Installing ramps, lifts, or handrails to improve accessibility.
  • Providing specialised seating arrangements (e.g., ergonomic chairs).
  • Modifying the layout of classrooms and common areas to ensure easy movement for wheelchair users.
  • Offering assistive technology such as modified keyboards or voice-to-text software.
  • Allowing extra time to move between classes or providing additional breaks for students with fatigue-related disabilities.

2. Learning Disabilities

Children with learning differences, such as dyslexia or ADHD, may need tailored teaching strategies and classroom supports.

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  • Providing extra time to complete assignments and assessments.
  • Offering alternative assessment formats, such as oral presentations instead of written exams.
  • Using assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software or audiobooks.
  • Breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps with clear instructions.
  • Creating personalised learning plans that set specific goals, strategies, and support structures.

3. Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Needs

Children who experience emotional regulation challenges, anxiety, or behavioural differences may benefit from adjustments that create a calmer, more supportive environment.

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  • Establishing designated quiet areas or sensory rooms where students can take breaks when feeling overwhelmed.
  • Implementing structured routines with visual schedules to reduce anxiety.
  • Providing one-on-one support from a teacher’s aide or behavioural specialist.
  • Offering social skills programs or counselling to help students manage peer relationships.
  • Developing a behaviour support plan that includes positive strategies for managing behaviour in a non-punitive way.

4. Communication and Sensory Needs

For students with communication differences or sensory sensitivities, adjustments may focus on reducing communication barriers and managing sensory triggers.

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  • Using visual aids, such as picture cards or visual timetables, to help students understand instructions and daily routines.
  • Allowing the use of communication devices, such as tablets with speech-generating apps, for non-speaking students.
  • Creating sensory-friendly classrooms with reduced lighting, noise-cancelling headphones, or weighted blankets to reduce sensory overstimulation.
  • Providing social stories or role-playing exercises to help students navigate social situations and peer interactions.

How to Request Reasonable Adjustments from Schools

1. Start the Conversation Early: As soon as you believe your child may need additional support, schedule a meeting with their teacher and school leadership. Bring any relevant assessments or documentation to help provide context for your child’s needs.
2. Know Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with your child’s rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth), and Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). This will empower you during discussions with the school.
3. Be Specific and Collaborative: Clearly explain your child’s needs and propose specific adjustments that would help them succeed. Work together with the school to find solutions that are both reasonable and feasible within the school’s resources.
4. Request a Formal Plan: Once adjustments have been agreed upon, make sure they are formalised in a written plan, such as an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Behaviour Support Plan. This document should outline the agreed adjustments, how they will be implemented, and when they will be reviewed.
5. Monitor Progress: Set up regular check-ins with the school to review how well the adjustments are working and whether any changes or additional supports are needed as your child progresses.

What is Feasible for Schools?

While schools are required to provide reasonable adjustments, they must also consider what is feasible within their capacity. The Disability Standards for Education and the Equal Opportunity Act both recognise that there are limits, especially if providing certain adjustments would cause undue hardship to the school. Some factors that schools consider include:

• Cost and resources: Schools may be limited by their budget or the availability of specialised staff.
• Impact on other students: Adjustments should not negatively affect the learning environment for other students.
• Health and safety: Modifications must maintain a safe environment for all students and staff.

Final Thoughts

Requesting reasonable adjustments is a vital part of ensuring that your child receives an inclusive education that meets their unique needs. By understanding your child’s rights under key legislation, such as the Disability Discrimination Act, Equal Opportunity Act, and Disability Standards for Education, you can confidently approach the school to advocate for the necessary support. Reasonable adjustments are about creating an equitable learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.

At Bloom Play Studio, we’re committed to advocating for inclusive education and supporting parents on this journey. If you need more information on how to request reasonable adjustments or want to explore additional ways to support your child’s development, reach out to us today. Together, we can help ensure that your child receives the support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

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