Inquiry into access to TAFE for learners with disability

ECCV congratulates the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Parliament of Victoria, on holding this Inquiry into access to TAFE for learners with disability and thanks the Committee for inviting ECCV to make a submission. In this submission ECCV is particularly focusing on barriers and opportunities faced by CALD learners with disabilities when accessing and studying at TAFE.

These recommendations have been informed through desktop research, ECCV’s previous policy work on skills, disadvantaged jobseekers and disability as well as consultations with disability advocates from CALD communities, peak bodies, disability service providers and TAFE Institutions. ECCV presents these findings and recommendations to the Committee to inform its Inquiry and hopes this will increase access and opportunities for learners with disabilities from CALD backgrounds in TAFE education.

Disabilities alone do not disadvantage learners from accessing or completing TAFE education. It is a lack of streamlined pathways for students, failure to provide reasonable adjustments, and insufficient tailored supports that make individuals disengage, feel undervalued, or limit their access to TAFE education altogether. Inclusive education requires a human rights approach and focus on equity. A number of current practices within the Victorian TAFE system do not clearly address the challenges that people with disabilities face in accessing vocational pathways and outcomes.

Media Enquiries

For media enquiries or more information, please contact:
Email: media@eccv.org.au
Phone: 0431 091 738