Roma Mitchell Secondary College, Special Education Campus

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:30): At this time of year, as members of parliament we attend many school events, often congratulating our year 12 graduates whose formal education journey in our school system has concluded. Of course, many will go on with further study at university, TAFE, trade training and other courses, while some will go on to enter the workforce. It is an exciting time that can also be quite daunting for these young people, who are likely to face unique challenges during the transition to adult life. There are many decisions for them to make: whether to continue along the path of further study, have a gap year or take up employment.

Next week, 3 December is International Day of People with Disability, a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with a disability, while also celebrating their achievements and contributions. Last week, I had the honour of attending the Roma Mitchell Secondary College year 12 graduation ceremony held in our historic Bonython Hall. It was heartwarming to see so many students passionate about their education and excited about the next steps in their lives.

Roma Mitchell Secondary College has a disability campus that is a purpose-built unit catering to the needs of children with intellectual disabilities and providing a high-quality education with a particular focus on the post-school pathways of these students. The college provides a secure and supportive environment for students to learn an interesting, structured and precise curriculum based on SACE and the Australian Curriculum, designed to help each of them learn to become as independent as possible and confidently become part of their community.

The Roma Mitchell Secondary College Special Education Campus Medal is what the school describes as 'the highest of awards', and this year it was awarded to Ali Shah for always exhibiting the highest quality of the college values. His achievements included being a representative on the student leadership team, performing duties in his role as a special education prefect and being selected to represent Roma Mitchell College at the Special Olympics and soccer carnivals.

Another significant award, the Roma Mitchell Secondary College Special Education Senior Progress Award went to Chris Abbott, a student who over the five years he has been at the college has shown the most personal growth and development and engagement with his learning. Feifei Yin received the award for the year 12 modified SACE subject, mathematics. I congratulate Ali Shah, Chris Abbott and Feifei Yin on their achievements and on their graduation.

A total of eight students graduated: three from the girls' regional special classes, two from co-educational regional special education and three from the special education campus. One of the graduates, Ali Shah, is looking forward to spending time at Choice and Control, a post-school provider for young people with disability. Choice and Control is a not-for-profit organisation that is a registered NDIS provider based at Lewiston on an eight-acre property that specialises in skill and capacity building programs to get young people ready for the workforce.

In the lead-up to the International Day of People with Disability, schools, community organisations and workplaces are encouraged to start a conversation about disability to mark the day. One in five people (or 4.3 million Australians) have a disability. It is important to increase awareness because by having a conversation about disability you can challenge perceptions, educate others and normalise disability in everyday life. We all have a role to play to ensure people with disability have the same opportunities as others to reach their full potential.

I would also like to make special mention of Sheila, a former journalist, member of the Torrens sub-branch and local resident. Sheila suffered a stroke in 2001 that left her with a severe physical disability and she has faced many challenges in her life. What I admire most about her is her determination to keep on learning. She enjoys visiting our office most weeks, going to the local op shop to find some bargains and attending local programs, despite her physical disability restricting her to a wheelchair and the requirement of a full-time carer.

The participation of persons with disabilities in public and social life is crucial to fighting stereotypes, prejudice and, above all, exclusion.