What is an NDCO?

The National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) Program replaced the Regional Disability Liaison Officer and Disability Co-ordination Officer (DCO) Programs on 1st January 2008, and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

There are presently 35 positions in place across Australia - for more details consult the DEEWR website for regional hosts nationwide. Kay Dean, the Newcastle/Hunter NDCO, is hosted by the University of Newcastle.

NDCOs perform a range of functions focused on the development of resources, training, and related activities to encourage a cohesive educational environment where students, and people in the community with a disability, can plan and participate in the transition process into further training, education and employment.

This is achieved by working directly with teachers and disability staff in each sector, and employers and related employment services, to identify gaps in regional services or appropriate resources, and by establishing supportive professional networks and information bases for staff, students and their families.