The State Government has committed $14 million over the next four years to improve infrastructure at public schools to support students with disabilities.
The funding will be used to establish Special Options - both specialist classes and disability units - at schools to continue to better meet student demand and reduce inequity across the public education system.
The announcement, made in the wake of the Disability Royal Commission, will ensure families have the choice to attend their local school.
The Department for Education is also trialling improvements to support Year 6 students who have disabilities in their transition to high school.
The new approach will align the processes and timing with the enrolment process for mainstream students, improving communication and increasing the involvement of students, parents and schools.
The number of students in special classes has been steadily increasing and while special options have been established, no specific budget has previously existed to support medium or long-term planning for the buildings, toilets, or other extensive works necessary for a school to be able to provide a special class.
Additionally, areas such as northern Adelaide have experienced significant population growth over a number of years, which has seen demand outstrip available places.
The specific funding allocation will assist the department to assess future expected enrolments, and work with sites to plan for infrastructure where it is most needed.
Trinity Gardens School Principal Brenton Conradi said the school's disability unit had doubled in size over the past five years, to four classes of 32 children.
"Here at Trinity Gardens we have a very broad inclusive education policy that fosters support for children at all ages and stages of their learning journey," Mr Conradi said.
"More broadly our focus is on building connections across our 800 students, and with their families. through our early learning centre, child parent centre, inclusive OSHC and other programs.
"I am passionate about our students, and together with our staff, we work to ensure all local families can access inclusive options for their child."
More than 50 new special options have been created since July 2022 to meet demand, but the focus now needs to be on strategic planning to cater for future needs.
This year, additional options have been developed for students in both Naracoorte and Victor Harbor to meet specific needs.
Special Options assessment is primarily split into three groups based on the child’s year level – entering junior primary, entering primary or entering secondary school.
Any child that is eligible for a Special Option but attends a mainstream school, either due to the choice of their parent or guardian, or due to a shortage of place, is allocated an automatic level of Inclusive Education Support Program funding to enable personalised learning and support.
