NCCD Guidelines

The NCCD guidelines are published annually. They provide comprehensive information about the NCCD. The NCCD Quick Guide This link will open in a new window provides the essential information you need to know in an abbreviated version of the guidelines.

2022 NCCD Guidelines This link will open in a new window (PDF)

Why do the NCCD Guidelines look different?

A significant review of the NCCD Guidelines has been undertaken in response to user feedback. This has led to a substantially shorter document.

The review has removed duplication and clarified possibly confusing elements. In particular, there is clearer information on what are mandatory requirements for schools and what is considered to be good practice. 

The Guidelines have also been re-formatted to align with the step-by-step format used in the NCCD Quick Guide.

New sections

•    Students with disability undertaking learning from home (new section B.3.6)

This section responds to the increase in students learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. It clarifies that educational adjustments for students must be provided in any learning situation including learning from home, and provides some guidance on the provision of adjustments in a learning from home situation.

•    Students affected by trauma (new section C.4.3)

This section clarifies that students affected by trauma should be included in the NCCD if they have a disability as per the definition in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and meet all other NCCD requirements.

Are there any changes to the evidence requirements?

The 2020 Guidelines were updated during the height of the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak to reduce the requirements for evidence. These changes are not included in 2022.

Do we use the Guidelines or the Quick Guide?

The NCCD Guidelines are the ‘Ministerial Council disability guidelines (for a year)’ prepared for the purposes of section 58A of the Australian Education Regulation 2013. They are the authoritative guide to the NCCD and should be referred to when technical information and advice are required.

Where there is doubt on the applicability of the Quick Guide or any conflict between the Quick Guide and the Guidelines, the Guidelines take precedence.

School teams may prefer to use the Quick Guide to implement the NCCD, but should always refer to the Guidelines as the authoritative source.

Who was involved in making the changes?

The Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment engaged all state and territory departments of education, the National Catholic Education Commission and Independent Schools Australia to provide input into this update of the Guidelines.