Labelling/categorization
One problematic aspect of the current Australian education system is the categorical approach to funding support. In addition to the challenges for families of different funding rules in different states and territories227,the categorical approach to funding support results in many children who need support being deemed ineligible. Additionally, this requirement for a label in order to access support result in many children being constructed as an ‘other’, bringing with it the threat of low expectations and exclusion.228 Both of these issues result in perpetuation of ableist practices and pose major barriers to inclusive education.
The recent commitment to nationally consistent collection of data on school students who experience disability (NCCD)229 places an emphasis on the adjustments required, rather than diagnostic category. This may have potential for developing a funding system focused on student need for support, rather than ‘disability’ or labeling. However, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into a reproduction of the current system and processes of labeling and what this funding system needs to include that will facilitate genuine positive change.
Within the present system, funding allocations for support are based on processes of labeling and categorisation. This means that children who require support, but are not labelled disabled, are excluded from system.230These children are frequently overlooked within such a system of education.231