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  • adelehadley
  • Sep 24
  • 3 min read

Understanding the Disability Inclusion Profile and How OT Supports Schools


Creating an inclusive school environment is about more than accessibility—it’s about understanding each child’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. One tool that helps schools do this is the Disability Inclusion Profile (DIP).


What is the Disability Inclusion Profile?

The Disability Inclusion Profile is a framework that helps schools gather detailed information about a child’s abilities, needs, and participation across different settings. It is the Victorian Department of Educations new funding model, replacing the old PSD funding.


It focuses on:

  • Academic participation

  • Social and emotional engagement

  • Sensory and physical needs

  • Supports required to thrive in the school environment


By providing a structured profile, schools can plan individualised strategies that ensure children with disability can fully engage, learn, and belong, and enable adequate funding to provide such adjustments.


The Role of Occupational Therapy in the DIP

Occupational therapists bring a unique lens to the DIP process. OT focuses on how a child interacts with their environment, including classroom routines, play, and learning tasks.


OTs can:

  • Assess functional participation: Understand how a child engages with learning, self-care, and social interactions.

  • Identify environmental or task barriers: Pinpoint factors that make activities challenging, such as classroom setup, seating, or sensory stimuli.

  • Recommend practical strategies: Suggest supports, adaptations, or equipment to help the child access learning and participate fully.

  • Collaborate with educators and families: Provide actionable strategies that can be implemented in the classroom, playground, and home.


In short, OTs help schools translate the Disability Inclusion Profile into meaningful supports that empower children to succeed.


Application Process and Timeline

Completing a DIP involves several stages, which can take approximately 10 weeks from start to finish:

  1. Referral and Consent: Schools submit a request for the profile. Consent forms are collected to ensure all stakeholders agree to participation.


  2. Evidence Collection (Approx. 10 Weeks): Over a period of around 10 weeks, information is gathered to give a complete picture of the child’s functional skills. This may include:

    • Standardised assessments such as the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales

    • Observations in classrooms, playgrounds, and home environments

    • Teacher and parent reports detailing strengths, challenges, and participation


  3. Analysis and Reporting: The OT collates the information to highlight patterns, strengths, and areas where support is needed.

  4. Recommendations and Implementation: Practical strategies, adaptations, and environmental supports are shared with the school and family. This is written up into a report known as a Record of Specialist Involvement.

  5. Follow-up may occur to ensure strategies are working effectively.


By collecting evidence over a sustained period, the DIP provides a comprehensive, accurate view of the child, ensuring strategies are tailored and meaningful.


How Growing Occupational Therapy Supports Schools

At Growing Occupational Therapy, we partner with schools to:

  • Complete the Disability Inclusion Profile in collaboration with educators and families

  • Collect and analyse evidence, including standardised assessments and observations

  • Provide actionable recommendations for classroom adaptations, sensory supports, and learning strategies

  • Train staff in implementing strategies that support engagement, participation, and inclusion

  • Monitor progress and adjust supports as children grow and develop


We believe inclusion is a collaborative process. By combining the insights from the DIP with OT expertise, schools can create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.


Final Thoughts

The Disability Inclusion Profile is a powerful tool, but its impact is maximised when combined with professional insight and practical strategies. Occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping schools interpret the DIP, implement supports, and promote meaningful participation for children with diverse abilities.


If your school is looking to strengthen its approach to inclusion, Growing Occupational Therapy can help. Learn more about our school services here: growingot.com.au/school-services


For Occupational Therapists looking to expand their skills in supporting schools and completing the Disability Inclusion Profile, we offer professional supervision and guidance. Our supervision provides practical insights into evidence collection, standardised assessments such as the Vineland, report writing, and translating findings into actionable school-based strategies.


Whether you’re new to the DIP process or seeking to refine your practice, our supervision supports your professional growth while ensuring the best outcomes for children and schools.


 
 
 

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