Supporting Non-Speaking Students, Intellectual Disability & Transition from High School

Live webinar: Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm AEST (Sydney)
Duration: 1 hour
Presenter: Kirsty Thornton, Support Teacher Transition
CPE: 1 hour (certificate provided)
Access: Live attendance + recording and resources

Webinar Summary

Non-speaking students and students with intellectual disability are too often underestimated, misunderstood, or excluded from meaningful planning, particularly as they move through upper primary and into secondary school and beyond.

This final webinar in the Engaging Neurodivergent Learners series focuses on practical, strengths-based approaches to supporting learning, communication, participation, and transitions for non-speaking students and students with intellectual disability.

With a strong emphasis on dignity, access, and high expectations, this session supports educators to move beyond assumptions about capacity and to build learning environments where all students are supported to communicate, belong, and be included, especially during key transition points such as the move from high school to work experience, study, supported employment and community participation.

This Webinar Covers

• Challenging common assumptions about non-speaking students and intellectual disability

• Understanding communication beyond speech

• Supporting participation, independence and self-autonomy through:

  • alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)

  • environmental supports

  • predictable routines and visual scaffolds

• Planning for transitions, including:

  • planning for life after secondary school

  • building opportunities through work experience

  • increasing independence and self-advocacy

  • collaboration with families and support teams

• Planning for continuity of support into adulthood

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the diverse communication needs of non-speaking students

• Recognise the strengths and capacities of students with intellectual disability

• Apply practical strategies to support access, participation, and learning

• Use inclusive planning approaches that respect student dignity

• Support smoother transitions from high school

• Feel more confident working collaboratively with families and support professionals

About Kirsty Thornton

Kirsty Thornton is an experienced teacher with the Department of Education NSW, who has taught in specialised education settings from pre-Kinder to Year 12. She works with students with intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as those requiring support due to emotional and behavioural disorders. In her current role as Support Teacher Transition, Kirsty works with a cohort of schools to support senior students with disability and their families/carers through the transition from high school to post school opportunities and adult life. Kirsty is committed to assisting students to follow their passions and strengths to find study and employment options, social connection and personal fulfilment.

Access & Pricing

• Individual webinar access: $99 incl. GST

• Full 10-part series: $550 incl. GST
  (Includes this webinar plus nine additional sessions in the Engaging Neurodivergent Learners series)

All participants receive access to the webinar recording, downloadable resources, and a CPE certificate upon completion.

REGISTER NOW

Please note: This event is only accessible to people who have paid for registration. Inviting additional staff or persons to watch with you is strictly prohibited without additional registration. For large group registrations, please contact us for group pricing.