Key contacts
This guide will help you understand how the education system works and what special education programs and services are available for students with a disability, and provide a starting point for your discussions with local personnel.
The guide introduces a whole range of people that you might be in contact with over the course of your child's schooling. Some of the people you should make contact with from the start are school personnel, community agencies and other parents.
Your child's teachers, the principal and other school personnel
Fostering good relationships and open communication with all of the teachers involved in your child's education ensures your child gets the best education possible. Your child's teacher will work closely with you to discuss your child's needs and the programs that may be put in place to support your child's learning.
The best approach to dealing with schools is to be proactive. Actively make contact, get to know the people supporting your child, ask about options, and tell them if there is anything you're concerned about. It's also important to tell school staff when you are happy or pleased with the work they are doing.
Other staff that may be involved in your child's education include:
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advisory visiting teachers (AVTs), teachers with specialist knowledge and skills who support school staff to assist students with disabilities to access and participate in the curriculum
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Other government departments, non-government organisations, and support groups
It is important that you make full use of the support available to families from community services and agencies. Also, the advice about schooling you get from outside the school system may be very valuable.
Several government departments provide programs and services for families of students with a disability. There are also many state-wide organisations that cater for people who have specific issues arising from a disability, and smaller services and support groups for particular localities.
Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) 
is the Queensland government department focussed on responding to the needs of people with a disability and their families. DSQ is a useful source of information about services, organisations, and support groups.
Other parents
Other parents may be the most important contacts you make. Their advice, and simply knowing that you are not alone, can be a huge help. Contact with parents can be made through your local school, parent groups, and support groups.
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