A new reform unit in WA Education will guide legislative and policy changes to ensure fairer, more inclusive schooling for students with disability.
Western Australia's Department of Education will establish a new unit to lead reforms designed to strengthen legislation and policy around access and inclusion to education.
The changes come following an independent review the state government commissioned to improve the public schooling experience of students with a disability.
A final report, released on Thursday, committed to the first steps of a long-term reform plan, including bringing the definition of 'disability' in the School Education Act 1999 (WA) in line with the social model of disability and revising regulations to lift the fairness of the enrolment system.
The government also supported the review's recommendations to develop a new framework guiding equitable access to quality education for students with disability with features that empower all students to learn, participate, and thrive.
Education Minister Sabine Winton said the review and recommendations from the earlier Disability Royal Commission contextualised what needed to change at a state and federal level.
"Every child has the right to a quality education that supports them to learn and grow," Winton said.
"Students with disability and their families rightly expect schools to provide students with opportunities to engage and succeed in their learning to achieve their full potential."
The government has promised to deliver "meaningful and manageable change" as it works closely with stakeholders and school staff in implementing the reforms.
Engagement with the non-government school sector has also been planned, with an announcement that registration standards will be tied to implementing the education reforms.
The minister added that she looked forward to progressing the actions of the review as part of a long-term disability reform plan for education.
"We will prioritise changes that lead to the most timely and effective outcomes for students with disability and their families," Winton said.
"I would like to thank Professor Andrew Whitehouse, the expert panel, and the individuals who contributed to the review by sharing their experiences and expertise to support a more equitable education system in WA."