Joining the fight for better autism inclusion in education
The 成人大片 is today joining forces with the University of South Australia, Tabor College and Flinders University to make education in SA more accessible for people with autism.
A two-year nation-leading project will assess the impact of incorporating further learning on autism and sensory needs on the ability of teachers to plan for and manage diverse classrooms.
The participating universities will also boost disability and inclusion studies in teaching degrees from Semester 1 2024.
鈥淭his is the first time all four South Australian initial teacher education providers have come together to work on a common project, and we expect the outcomes will have a significant impact on the education outcomes for young people with autism,鈥 said the 成人大片鈥檚 Professor Susan James Relly, from the School of Education.
From Semester 2 2024, the project will also see students from each university participate in practical autism training developed by Positive Partnerships, a program already undertaken by Autism Inclusion Teachers in South Australia.
鈥淭his program, which is underpinned by the University鈥檚 world-class teacher education and high-quality research, will directly benefit our community by providing specialist training.鈥Professor John Williams, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics
The collaborative initiative has received $424,000 in support from the South Australian Department for Education.
鈥淯nder my Government, South Australia is leading the nation in giving teachers the tools they need to make sure autistic children and young people are afforded every opportunity to maximise their potential,鈥 said Premier Peter Malinauskas.
鈥淲e鈥檝e already put an Autism Inclusion Teacher in every school, and expanding the quality training afforded to teaching students is the logical next step.鈥
Assistant Minister for Autism, Emily Bourke, says this investment in teacher education is in response to demand from the sector.
鈥淔eedback from teachers, autistic students and parents has been consistent - we need more knowledge about autism in our schools,鈥 said Minister Bourke.
鈥淲e are now arming future teachers with knowledge about disability and inclusion at the very start of their career during their teacher degree.鈥
With future generations of teachers set to benefit from the increased autism-inclusion training during their university education, the project will impact public, independent and Catholic schools throughout the state.
鈥淭he 成人大片 has been making a major contribution to the field of education for more than 100 years,鈥 said the 成人大片鈥檚 Professor John Williams, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics.
鈥淭his program, which is underpinned by the University鈥檚 world-class teacher education and high-quality research, will directly benefit our community by providing specialist training.鈥
Media contact:
Professor Susan James Relly,聽Head, School of Education, 成人大片. Mobile: +61 (0)421 742 020,
贰尘补颈濒:听susan.jamesrelly@adelaide.edu.au
Johnny von Einem, Media Coordinator, The 成人大片. Mobile: +61 0430 476 300, Email: johnny.voneinem@adelaide.edu.au