Federation marks TAFE disability support milestone

Federation
celebrated 40 years of support services for TAFE students with a disability at a
special function on Thursday evening, 7 June, at Federation House. Present and former
Teacher Consultants for students with a disability as well as TAFE students celebrated
with TAFE management, peak disability organisations and Federation Officers.

Jennifer
Parry, a St George TAFE student, proposed a toast to past and present students with
a disability. Jennifer has been blind since birth and has completed a number of
TAFE courses during her career including Administration skills and project management.

Jennifer
worked at Telstra for 22 years in a variety of customer service and project management
roles and is now enrolled in Certificate III Business Services to upskill for the
next stage in her career.

She
will also enrol in Music Performance at Ultimo TAFE in semester 2, 2018, to pursue
professional career opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Jennifer
spoke of her personal experience of the support that specialist TAFE Teacher Consultants
give to ensure students with a disability have access and reasonable adjustment
to ensure success in their studies.

Retired
TAFE Teacher Consultant Barry Toole toasted all TAFE support staff and acknowledged
the world-class disability support services delivered by TAFE. He will also acknowledge
the importance of support workers with specialist skills and knowledge to assist
each student with their individual needs.

TAFE
is undergoing a review of disability services to develop a new model of support
services. Federation will continue campaign to ensure that all TAFE students with
a disability receive specialist support to assist their studies and gain employment.