content-left-bg.png
content-right-bg.png

For schools

WebPartZone1_1
PublishingPageContent

​​​​​​​​​​The Specialist Disability Support in Schools (SDSS) Program supports schools by providing funding to approved organisations to deliver services to improve access to, and participation in, the curriculum and the educational outcomes for eligible school-aged students with disability.

SDSS program fact sheet for schools

How to access the SDSS program services

All services are provided at the request of the school, based on a prioritisation process and may provide local, regional and/or state-wide services. It is recommended that schools make direct contact with the organisation to discuss service provision at school.

The list of SDSS program funded organisations provides details of organisations under each of the 3 funding categories.

The list of outreach for SDSS program funded organisations​ provides information regarding the SDSS organisations that provide outreach services to schools.

Protocols for SDSS services

Protocols for SDSS services to schools have been developed to assist SDSS organisations to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with schools including initial contact and appointments.

SDSS program and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The important distinctions between the department's SDSS program and the NDIS are available in the schools, the SDSS program and the NDIS video​ – ​​transcript.

Please note, the Non School Organisations (NSO) Program was replaced by the SDSS program. The same distinctions apply regarding the NDIS.

WebPartZone1_2

Frequently asked questions

Why would my school use the SDSS program?

The Department of Education (the department) provides funding through the SDSS Program to specialist service providers to support students with disability in Queensland state and non-state schools.

The approved SDSS organisations deliver services to improve access to and participation in curriculum and the educational outcomes for eligible school-aged students with disability through:

  • identification of barriers to access, participation and achievement
  • provision of supports to enhance student attendance, participation and achievement in schooling.

All approved SDSS organisations have a current service agreement with the department and receive funding to support schools and students with disability.

Services provided by organisations under the SDSS Program are complementary services to those offered by the education sectors and are not intended to be a duplication of those services available in schools.

While SDSS organisations may approach a school to offer a service, SDSS Program services are only delivered at the written request of the school, based on the needs of the student to access and participate in the curriculum. The principal, or delegate of the principal, decides if assistance is required and requests the services of a SDSS organisation.

Many of the supporting services are state-wide services, which means that all schools, including those in rural and remote locations, have the opportunity to access services from funded organisations to engage a specialist education support service.

What supports are available?

SDSS organisations are funded under service agreements with the department for 3 types of funding categories.

School support services

Funding for the provision of a range of professional services and consultation in schools for eligible students with disability. Services may include support services from educators, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and psychologists.

Resource centre services

Funding to provide equipment, materials and resources to schools for the support of eligible students.

Specialised equipment

Funding for specialised equipment is:

  1. to improve the equipment loan pools of organisations providing support services to students with disability to enhance access and participation in school
  2. for equipment that is complementary to the equipment that is available from the regionalised loan service
  3. for trial purposes at school and/or for short term equipment loans up to 6 months.

This funding may not be used for equipment for individuals or minor equipment and materials.

Where can I find information regarding the SDSS organisations and the services they offer?

The list of SDSS program funded organisations provides details of the SDSS organisations and an overview of their services.

How do I request SDSS support for a student with disability at my school?

Prior to requesting a SDSS service, schools should consider the needs of students in conjunction with any services already available to the school, such as school based therapies. Should it be established that a complementary service is needed to improve the student’s access to and participation in the curriculum, then a SDSS service can be requested.

Schools should make direct contact with a SDSS organisation to discuss service provision at their respective school.

The principal of the school, or delegate, decides if assistance is required and requests the service from a SDSS organisation by completing and signing a school request for support form.

What is the difference between SDSS and NDIS?

The SDSS program and the NDIS have two distinct purposes.

The SDSS program supports schools to enhance the learning outcomes for eligible students who require significant educational adjustments. The SDSS organisations are funded by the department and their services are engaged by schools.

NDIS services are focussed on supporting people with disability in their daily lives and do not include supports within schools to access the curriculum. NDIS funding is allocated to parents of students with disability under a NDIS participant plan, with parents directly engaging a provider.

SDSS program enquiries

Email: sdss@qed.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 3513 6743​

WebPartZone2_1
WebPartZone2_2
WebPartZone2_3
WebPartZone3_1
WebPartZone3_2
WebPartZone3_3
WebPartZone3_4
WebPartZone4_1
WebPartZone5_1
WebPartZone5_2
WebPartZone6_1
WebPartZone6_2
WebPartZone7_1
WebPartZone7_2
WebPartZone8_1
WebPartZone8_2
WebPartZone9_1
Last updated 19 September 2023