Physical and Medical Conditions Requiring School Support
1. Physical Conditions Affecting the Motor System
Students may qualify for support when they have a current physical condition that impacts the motor system and significantly limits their ability to move, complete personal care tasks, or physically participate in essential learning activities.
The motor system includes:
- muscles
- bones and joints
- nerves
- the brain and spinal cord
When any part of this system is affected, students may have trouble with:
- walking or using mobility aids
- balance and coordination
- hand function (e.g., writing, using tools, opening lunchboxes)
- personal care tasks (e.g., toileting, dressing, feeding)
- safely moving around the school environment
Examples of Motor System Conditions
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Spina bifida
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Acquired brain injury
- Orthopaedic conditions (e.g., severe scoliosis, limb abnormalities)
- Chronic conditions affecting strength or mobility
Required Documentation for Motor System Conditions
Specialist Medical Report
A specialist medical practitioner must provide a report outlining:
- the nature of the physical condition
- how it affects motor functioning
- the expected impact on mobility, independence, and participation in school activities
- Evidence of Functional Impact
There must be clear evidence showing that the condition:
- limits the student’s ability to move safely and independently
- affects personal care tasks
- restricts physical access to learning opportunities (e.g., writing, using classroom tools, navigating the school environment)
This information helps determine the level of support required to ensure the student can participate safely and meaningfully in school life.
2. Medical Conditions Not Affecting the Motor System
Students may also be eligible for support when they have a medical condition that does not affect the motor system but requires regular health support procedures at school that the student cannot perform independently.
Examples of Health Support Needs
These may include:
- tube feeding
- catheterisation
- blood glucose monitoring
- administration of medication requiring trained staff
- other specialised health procedures
Students with conditions such as anaphylaxis and asthma generally do not require targeted disability support because their health needs are already managed through the school’s existing systems. Schools have established whole‑school emergency procedures, staff training, and student health and wellbeing processes that cover the management of these conditions. As a result, asthma and anaphylaxis are typically supported through standard school health plans rather than specialised funding programs.
Medical Conditions must be confirmed by:
Specialist Medical Report
A current report from a specialist medical practitioner must detail:
- the diagnosis
- the nature of the medical condition
- the required health support procedures
- any risks or emergency responses
- any factors that may affect the school’s ability to provide safe support
Schools must also receive detailed information that enables them to provide safe and appropriate support during the school day. This includes:
- A clear description of the health procedures the student requires while at school
- Emergency management instructions, where relevant, outlining how staff should respond if the student experiences a medical episode
- Information about how the medical condition affects the student’s participation in learning, school routines, and daily activities
This information ensures the school can plan effectively, maintain student safety, and provide consistent support across all learning environments.
Length of Support
The duration of support depends on the nature of the condition.
In some cases, support may be required only for a short period—for example, until the student becomes independent in managing their own health needs.
Students who meet this criterion are eligible to be considered for Integration Funding Support only.