Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion

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Expressions of interest – Discovery Workshops

    26th February to 11 March 2025


    We are excited to invite you to the next Co-Creation Discovery Workshop series for The Gordon’s Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion. 

    Our focus for 2025 is to co-create Operating Model and Implementation Plan with individuals with disabilities, key stakeholders and advocates. We would like to invite you to participate. Register early to secure a place. 

    Registration closes Wednesday 19th February 2025. 

    Step 1:
    Download and complete the Expression of Interest Form

    Step 2:
    Email completed form including your preferred working group, any supports required and dietary requirements to:
    CoEInclusion@gordontafe.edu.au

    Come, join us and help create a more inclusive TAFE for all.

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    2025 Workgroups Easy Read


    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

    Footnotes:

    1. UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ratified by Australia in 2008 Right to Education (Article 24) Right to Employment (Article 27)
    2. Victorian Inquiry into Learners with Disability (2022) and the Australian Disability Royal Commission Final Report (2023)
    3. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings 2018.
    4. National Centre for Vocational Education Research - NCVER 
    5. Data from the 2023 VET Student Outcomes collection NCVER 2023
    6. Data from https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-skills-plan-2023-2024/improving-opportunities-victorians-disability