|
In 2001, the Australian Government provided funding via the Australians Working Together package, to establish the Disability Coordination Officer (DCO) Program. The program commenced in 2002 to work alongside the existing Regional Disability Liaison Officer (RDLO) initiative to enhance education, training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The DCO Program is funded through the Australians Working Together package and is administered by the Vocational Education & Training Group of the Australian Government Department of Education, Science & Training (DEST).
The Program's goal is to:
Increase the number of people with a disability entering successfully into post-compulsory education and employment.
- Education may be at a University, TAFE or other registered training provider that delivers accredited courses.
- Study may be by attendance on campus or from home by open learning.
- Flexible delivery may be online or paper based or a combination to suit the student.
- Employment may be part of full-time and be in supported or in the open labour market.
The DCO initiative works to facilitate networks and collaborative projects to increase participation of people with disabilities in higher, education, vocational training and employment.
A Disability Coordination officer may assist by providing:
- Contact with appropriate staff
- Information and assistance on making a successful transition into tertiary education and training
- Information about supports available in post-secondary education, training and employment
- Information on disability services and networks in the region
- Facilitation of staff development in the areas of disability and post-school training and education.
The Disability Coordination Officers provide information and support to:
- Students with a disability
- Parents, families and carers
- Schools, Universities, TAFEs, Vocation Education and Registered Training organisations
- Support networks and relevant stakeholders
- Providers of disability programs and support services
Each Disability Coordination Office also has a regional focus to address local needs. Further information about the program, RDLO/DCO resources and contact information for RDLOs and DCOs in other regions can be found on the National RDLO/DCO website
|
