Equipment Boost for Schools

2019-20

The Equipment Boost for Schools initiative funds new equipment and assistive technology to support students with disabilities or additional learning needs.

New equipment and assistive technology may include:

• customised or adjustable furniture
• mobility equipment and resources
• ability switches and switch-adapted toys
• portable amplification equipment
• literacy aids
• communication software
• inclusive recreation equipment and resources.

The 2019 Application Round has now closed

For general guidance on the Equipment Boost for Schools initiative please refer to the 2019 application guidelines below.

Equipment Boost for Schools - 2019 Frequently Asked Questions

Equipment Boost for Schools - 2019 application guidelines pdf  3.49mb  docx 120.81kb

Professional practice guides

We have developed comprehensive professional practice guides to support schools to identify, purchase and implement inclusive equipment and assistive technology that will best meet the needs of their students. These guides include:

• a recommended process to identify and implement new equipment and assistive technology provided to support school-level decision-making
  
• a list of inclusive equipment and assistive technology used to support Victorian government school students, which has been developed in collaboration with allied health professional peak bodies and in consultation with Department of Education and Training staff.

Supporting materials are not intended to be exhaustive. Professional practice guides are intended to support schools to identify, purchase and implement new equipment and assistive technology that is suitable for their needs.

Background for the initiative

Inclusive education means that all members of every school community are valued and supported to fully participate, learn, develop and succeed within an inclusive school culture. This includes making reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities and additional learning needs.

The Equipment Boost for Schools initiative responds to calls to strengthen inclusive education practice to provide better supports for students with disabilities and additional needs through:

• access to new equipment and assistive technology for all Victorian government schools to support students with disabilities or additional learning needs to participate, experience, learn and achieve on the same basis as their peers
• support for schools to identify their equipment assistive technology needs and implement effective, evidence-based interventions (including through the provision of training).

Get advice

For questions on the Equipment Boost for Schools initiative, contact:

Inclusive Education Grants Team, Inclusive Education Professional Practice Branch, Regional Services Group
Email:  inclusive.ed.grants@edumail.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9084 8496