Meridan State College's Learning Development Centre (LDC) supports a range of Students with Disabilities on both the Primary and Secondary Campuses through a highly supportive and innovative team approach. We cater for students who have been verified or are awaiting a verification in the following disability categories- Intellectual Disability (ID), Physical Impairment (PI), Hearing Impairment (HI), Visual Impairment (VI), Speech Language Impairment (SLI) and Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Aligned with the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and the Disability Standards for Education (2005), Meridan State College provides all students with the opportunity to engage in an ability appropriate curriculum, working in the least restrictive environment, in order to achieve each students maximum potential.
Our College's inclusive model supports classroom teachers to work with LDC teachers and teacher aides to cater for students within their classroom setting. We plan collaboratively with a variety of school based, regional and private professionals in order to deliver and implement the Australian Curriculum. The LDC staff may offer alternative programs and opportunities to Students with Disabilities based on individual student needs and in consultation with students' families. Students with Disabilities may also access alternative programs offered by other departments within the school when appropriate for the student's needs. Those students working at year levels significantly below that of their peers are catered for through the formulation and implementation of Individual Curriculum Plans (ICP's) in consultation with their parents.
The Primary and Secondary LDC settings offer a range of supports and programs, including:
• In-class Support - LDC staff assist students in a wide range of core academic and elective classes with organisational, social interaction and academic support strategies.
• Individualised Classes - individualised courses of functional and academic literacy and numeracy to meet the unique needs and aspirations of students. These classes are run specifically for students on Individual Curriculum Plans.
• PURSUIT & IGNITE Programs – Outdoor Education programs for students in Years 7 to 9. Both the PURSUIT & IGNITE Programs have a strong focus on developing initiative, participants taking responsibility for themselves, team mates and the environment and promoting resilience, self- esteem, motivation and self- reliance through physical and mental challenges.
• Year 10 Outdoor Education, Year 11 & 12 Outdoor Recreation and Senior Life Skills Program – provides an opportunity for students to progress from the Junior PURSUIT
• PROPEL Program – School Based Traineeship program for students in Year 11 & 12. Links with external providers who offer support on the job and through tutorials at school.
• CERTIFICATE 11 Active Volunteering – a certificate course for students in Years 11 & 12
• The Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) for students in Years 11 and 12, recognises and reports on the learning achievements of students who are undertaking an individualised learning program developed by the school.
To be eligible, students must have impairments or difficulties in learning that are not primarily due to socioeconomic, cultural and/or linguistic factors. Extending our team approach, the staff at Meridan State College value the opportunity to work in partnership with students, families and outside agencies to plan support and adjustments for our students with disabilities. Key opportunities are scheduled throughout the year and include transition meetings and parent teacher interviews. Collaboration in response to new information from key stakeholders is always welcome and highly valued. Please contact your child's teacher or the Deputy Principal (Inclusion) to arrange a meeting with the relevant staff and external stakeholders.