Sydney - Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia), the nation’s largest provider of autism-specific schools, will today launch its first Community of Practice for educators at NSW Parliament House, hosted by Mr Greg Warren MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Early Learning.
The event, Inclusion through Collaboration, will bring together more than 130 school leaders, teachers, researchers and policymakers from across NSW’s Public, Catholic, Independent and University sectors. It will provide a rare opportunity for educators from every system to work side by side with the shared goal of strengthening inclusive practice for Autistic students.
Aspect’s Community of Practice will act as a collaborative network where educators and professionals share knowledge, exchange best practice and explore new ways to build teacher capability. The initiative aims to ensure that inclusive education is embedded in every classroom and breaks down the borders between schools, opening up new opportunities for sharing and learning together to benefit all students.
The Hon Kate Washington MP, Minister for Disability Inclusion said “this is an exciting initiative which aims to improve educational experiences and outcomes for Autistic students, wherever they go to school. It’s wonderful to see collaboration across the education sector to create inclusive schools where Autistic students can realise their enormous potential.”
Maryanne Gosling, Aspect’s National Director of Education said Aspect has been educating Autistic students for almost 60 years and has seen the difference that collaboration and shared knowledge can make.
“Too often, educators work in silos,” said Ms Gosling. “Our new Community of Practice initiative aims to bring people together, from schools and sectors, to strengthen inclusive practice, build teacher confidence and ensure every Autistic student has the opportunity to thrive.
“Beyond the launch at Parliament House we are focused on establishing smaller Communities of Practice across NSW that will give teachers and school leaders regular opportunities to share solutions, reflect on challenges and build a stronger culture of inclusion together.”
The launch comes at a critical time as governments and school systems respond to the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission and prepare to implement the National Autism Strategy. Both have called for urgent action to improve access and equity for Autistic students, most of whom are educated in mainstream schools. With autism now diagnosed in an estimated one in every 40 Australians, the urgency to embed inclusive education across all schools has never been greater.
The event will feature a keynote from Eliza Tait, Deputy Premier of the NSW Youth Parliament. At just 18, Eliza has become a strong advocate for disability reform, co-authoring the Needs Based Transition Program Bill and contributing to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into foundational supports. Drawing on her lived experience, she will speak about the importance of ensuring Autistic students feel safe, included and supported to succeed.
Dr Ben Bailey, a Lecturer at the University of Newcastle and certified practising Speech Pathologist, will highlight the latest evidence on effective literacy instruction and discuss how schools and students can work together to turn research into real classroom impact.
The program also features principals from mainstream and independent schools, along with a parent of two Autistic boys who will share their powerful story.
Greg Warren MP said the NSW Government welcomed the initiative and recognised its importance. “Inclusive education is not the responsibility of one school system or sector but something we must achieve together,” said Mr Warren. “Aspect’s Community of Practice will ensure that best practice is shared across all corners of the education system, so that every child can benefit.”
Aspect operates 10 autism-specific schools and 113 satellite classes across NSW and South Australia. Through the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP), Aspect champions evidence-based approaches that improve outcomes for students. The Community of Practice builds on this work by helping teachers turn research into practical strategies they can use in their own classrooms.
Ms Gosling added, “this initiative is about creating sustainable change and laying the foundations for a future where inclusive classrooms are the reality for every student.”
View the full program here.
For more information:
Karen Keech karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Aspect
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to co-develop, co-produce and co-deliver supports and services that are individualised, goal driven and grounded in evidence-based practices.
