Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion

What’s a Centre of Excellence? 

For us it’s about bringing together diverse experiences and knowledge to explore what’s possible, innovate solutions, promote good practices, increase knowledge, and build capability across TAFE.

Why do we need one?

Victorians with disabilities have the right to education and work¹ but discrimination in attitudes, systems and environments create barriers to study and work².  Key facts: 

• 17% of Victorians live with a disability³  

• Only 38% of VIC TAFE students with disabilities complete TAFE compared to 47% without disability⁴  

• TAFE graduates with disability⁵ are less likely to be employed after training (62%) than those without disability (81%). 

• 12.2% unemployment rate for Victorians with disability, compared to 4.5% for other Victorians⁶  

What are we trying to achieve? 

• Evidence and showcase good practice in supporting learners with disabilities to access, participate and complete their education and training. 
• Increase disability equity and inclusion knowledge across the TAFE network. 

• Identify and promote ways to shape future workforce training.  

• Update aspects of The Gordon’s City Campus learning environments using universal design and co-creation principles to facilitate the Centre’s purpose and aims.  

Our approach  

Our task over the next year is to co-create the Vision and Model for the centre. Co-creation is important to ensure the centre is fit-for-purpose, meets current and future needs, and is adaptable. This involves a collaborative and inclusive process to:    
•     co-design solutions to known problems  
•     co-produce innovative practices and knowhow based on identified solutions. 

To find out more email coeinclusion@gordontafe.edu.au