Griffith University’s Inclusive Education Model Offers Vocational Opportunities for Graduates with Intellectual Impairment

An innovative model of inclusive education at Griffith University is providing meaningful vocational opportunities for high school graduates living with an intellectual impairment.

The two-year program is delivered by Griffith students on clinical placement at Griffith Health Clinics.

For students living with an intellectual impairment, Include-Ed is post-schooling program funded by the NDIS which provides essential independent living skills and vocational opportunities in a university setting among age-matched peers.

Griffith students from six health disciplines are fully supervised to deliver the structured course as a clinical placement, providing students with hands-on, job-ready experience and skills to treat and manage those who access NDIS funding.

The course was created and designed by Griffith Health Clinic Physiotherapist and Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability council member Assistant Professor Nick Marshall OAM who said there are limited opportunities in Australia for those living with an intellectual impairment to continue to learn post-schooling.

“All individuals have the right to continue their education beyond schooling to better their pursuit of vocational opportunities and meaningful work,” Assistant Professor Marshall said.

“The program strives to be a financially sustainable student-led services model, through the NDIS billing of student health services.

“The pilot involving four post-school students and 50 Griffith Health students has been a rewarding experience for all.

“By creating and delivering innovative programs for school leavers with disability, and at the same time fostering understanding in our graduates and university community, the innovative model has great potential to be replicated in Australian universities.”

Examples of coursework for Griffith Health students and Include-Ed students include:

Social Work students provide lessons and coaching to improve mobility, safe travel and navigating public transport.

Speech Pathology students provide lessons and coaching oncommunication, self-advocacy, and storytelling.

Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Nutrition & Dietetics students provide lessons and coaching on independent living, healthy lifestyle choices, and meal preparation.

Physiotherapy students provide lessons and coaching on health and wellness, exercise, physical function, activity, and access.