Submission 55 — North Metropolitan Education Region — Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability | External submission

What are the key experiences of First Nations children with disability within schools?

Feeling supported via Aboriginal organisations, support people for parent and student

What are the key supports for First Nations children at school? Key supports for the children at school would be culturally appropriate learning, safe and supported.
What are the key challenges for First Nations children with disability at school?
To assist and provide Aboriginal perspective within learning areas. A lot of parents have trust issues with schools in the past so therefore may have trust issues with the school and therefore resistant to engage with staff.
What could be done to improve early intervention and diagnosis?
Aboriginal health workers involvement for pregnancy/birth/ ongoing
Aboriginal culturally appropriate learning tools and environment
What is the role of community in supporting First Nations children and young people with disability?
Awareness to understand and learn Cultural programs
What does educational success mean for First Nations people with disability? It is so important to maintain their cultural connections and not to be isolated just because of their individual disability. Choices and options should remain

How does this differ depending on location e.g. metro versus remote communities?

This differs hugely considering that there are more resources, job opportunities, and support organisations in metro so more opportunity. Remote communities need more services and the opportunity to excel.
What would a school need to do/have in place for a First Nations student with disability to feel included and accepted?
Acknowledgement to Country, flags
Welcome acceptance to the school eg. Signs, artwork Cultural connections, educational tools available and provided
Aboriginal influence where able. Relationship with family … most important (know your families and make a connection)
Any recommendations for change? More contacts for support need to be known. Not only for the families but also for the schools and shared into the community.