READY FOR DEVELOPMENT

MANY Australians are not familiar with the role of the developmental educator but that is likely about to change.

The role only really existed in South Australia until recent years when changes to the disability sector – such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme – brought it on to the national stage.

The government forecasts the NDIS alone will require disability supports and services to double by 2019-20 to meet demand.

Flinders University head of disability and community inclusion Associate Professor Caroline Ellison says the profession is only now coming to the fore in other states.

“The NDIS recognised us about two or three years ago,” she says.

Now the course is offered online, graduates are spread across Australia and overseas. Ellison says there is a range of roles for developmental educators and demand is high.

“It can be about teaching skills from living independently to learning to catch the bus,” she says.

“It can be a counselling and case management role so standing alongside a person with a disability and helping them ask for what they want with a work provider.

“It can be assisting people with a desire to run their own business. It can be about helping children learn how to play and engage with sport.”

Lauren Busch (pictured) is a developmental educator and specialist services facilitator at a disability support organisation.

She provides specialist advice and consultation for children and adults with disabilities living in accommodation services.

“Each day is very different to the next, and is constantly changing as the needs of the customers change,” she says.

She says people hoping to become developmental educators should work or volunteer in the disability sector while studying to build connections and experience.