Support for vocational education and training students
Training designed specifically for students with a disability
VET Disability Support Service
Tutorial assistance
Access programs
Adult language literacy and numeracy programs
TAFE Disability Services Officers
Most training organisations have people who support students with a disability. They are required by law to provide the same level of access to education for all students. These people will be able to help you to:
- apply for a course
- use the facilities and services (the physical environment) available at the training venue
- find out about course / program activities
- receive course information in a way that suits your needs
- complete your tests.
Training designed specifically for people with a disability
There are some courses designed specifically for people with a disability to help them to develop their vocational skills.
These courses offer basic training and support services that will help students develop the vocational skills they will need for employment or for higher-level training later on.
Some of the courses available include:
- horticulture
- hospitality practices
- retail operations
- office administration and information technology
- cleaning
- engineering production
- warehousing and distribution
- work access and job preparation.
Providers of this training have been chosen because they are good at being flexible and getting the right results for students with high support needs. Providers have a range of delivery and testing support services as well as strong links to employers and community agencies.
View the list of training providers offering specialised courses for students with a disability [PDF 37kb].
This training is provided through the Department of Employment and Training's Strategic Purchasing Program.
Vocational Education and Training Disability Support Service
The Vocational Education and Training Disability Support Service provides support for students with a disability who are undertaking off-the-job training funded by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts. If you are eligible your training provider can access this program for you.
You can also visit the Centrelink website for illness, injury or disability financial assistance and services.
Tutorial assistance
Many training providers give students the chance to practice and improve skills learned in class. This extra help is available to all students. Ask your teacher or course counsellor if you think you need tutorial assistance.
Access programs
Many providers will run flexible and friendly programs to help new students brush up on study, reading or workforce skills. Access programs are designed to provide extra skills or confidence in order to enter vocational education and training. Ask your teacher or course counsellor for information on courses that are available.
Adult language, literacy and numeracy programs
Students will generally pick-up language, literacy and numeracy skills while being taught other skills. For example, trainers or teachers should show students writing samples or help with math problems and provide time to practice.
Some people need extra help though. Centrelink runs language, literacy and numeracy programs to help all students (not just those with a disability) who need extra support with these skills. This includes the need to learn a new language.
Contact your teacher or trainer to find out more, visit the Centrelink website or telephone the apprenticeships info on 1800 210 210 or the Reading Writing Hotline on 1300 655 506.
TAFE Disability Services Officers
There are Disability Services Officers in all TAFE Queensland institutes. They can help people with a disability enrolled in TAFE programs, by giving them information about institute services that support them during their training. Discussions with learners are treated with respect and are confidential. Some services these people offer include:
- identifying the most suitable supports for the learner
- coordinating learning supports
- referring learners to other agencies where appropriate.
Find out more about disability services with TAFE.
Contact Apprenticeships info 1800 210 210 or Training Queensland 1300 369 935
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