As the State’s leading provider of graduate teachers for education support schools and centres, the School of Education has initiated an immediate response by developing a specific orientation for pre-service teachers to prepare them for working with students with disabilities. 

The professional development event led by Dr Alison Hilton and Dr Liana Luyt is designed for all pre-service teachers. It’s designed to both elevate and celebrate students pursuing a specialisation in inclusive education and underscore the importance of disability education as the responsibility of every teacher. 

"We believe that teaching students with disabilities is every teachers’ responsibility,” Dr Hilton said. 

“This event and the establishment of a dedicated high school specialisation – by way of a co-major – are crucial steps in ensuring that our future educators are prepared to make a meaningful impact."  

The new Bachelor of Education Secondary (Education Support Co-Major) will be launched at the event, highlighting the University's dedication to preparing teachers for diverse educational environments.  

The co-major is the first Secondary level initial teacher education program to provide skills and knowledge to work  with adolescents in Education Support contexts in the state.   

The Department of Education WA is supporting the initiative, with key consultants and educational leaders set to present. The event will also feature a panel of speakers, including experts in the field, practicing teachers, and pre-service teachers, who will share their experiences of teaching students with disabilities. 

It promises to be a comprehensive exploration of several critical themes. It will showcase leading practices in the field, challenge prevailing assumptions about disability and its place in schools, and provide essential information on current policies, procedures, and legal requirements.  

Dr Hilton and Dr Luyt are particularly passionate about collaborating with individuals who have lived experiences of disability.  

"Collaborating with those who have lived experiences of disability enriches our program and ensures that our graduates are not only knowledgeable but also empathetic and effective in diverse educational settings," Dr Luyt said. 

“The event is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about fostering a community of educators who are equipped and ready to make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities.” 

The initiative aligns with Murdoch's strategic focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and broadens the University's reach and leadership within the broader Western Australian education community. 

About the Royal Commission 

The Royal Commission, which was established in 2019, gathered nearly 10,000 stories from Australians living with a disability about their experiences with violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.  

The final report, released in September 2023, includes 222 recommendations for change, with 132 of these applicable to WA. Volume 7 of the report includes 15 specific recommendations for education and schools.  

A key focus of the recommendations is improving accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that people with disabilities can participate fully in society. Participation in education is a key part of that. 

The changes are designed to create safer, more empowering environments for people with disabilities across WA, aligning with the broader goals of the Royal Commission to promote and uphold the independence and rights of people with disabilities.