Making TAFE Accessible for All

2025-05-22

The Gordon’s Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion

The Gordon is pleased to formally release the Vision for the Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion. This Centre will: Partner with community and industry to deliver inclusive education through innovation, policy advancement, knowledge sharing and capability building, ensuring that TAFE is accessible and enriching to all.

Backed by a $36 million investment from the Victorian Government, the Centre will drive improved access, inclusion, and employment outcomes for students with disability across Victoria’s TAFE network.

Right up until the full opening in 2027, we are driving momentum with our community, to get full value from this major investment. With more than 180 stakeholders—including students, families, disability advocates, educators, employers and government partners—shaping the shared vision for a more inclusive TAFE system. Participants described the work as “trailblazing,” highlighting its potential to influence policy, design, and practice across the state.

Image representing The Gordon’s Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion tagline Making TAFE Accessible for All

With a strong emphasis on co-creation, the Centre will advocate for universally accessible learning environments, empower students with disability to achieve their goals, and promote systemic change through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing. 

Central to the Centre’s design is its Co-Creation Team—current and past students with disability who bring their lived experience and expertise to the development of the Centre’s vision, operating model and infrastructure. These voices are guiding every step of the journey.

The Gordon is progressing development of the Centre’s Operating Model, working closely with people with disability, educators, government agencies and industry. 

Find out more about the Gordon’s Vision for the Centre of Excellence in Disability inclusion: https://www.thegordon.edu.au/about/centre-of-excellence-in-disability-inclusion/our-vision 

Quote attributable to Matt Wright, Chair, Disability Advisory Committee; former CEO of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations

The Centre of Excellence is a first for people with disability and their families—creating an inclusive TAFE network. We are listening to the voices of people with disability and their families, so that they can enrol in a course, have their accessibility needs met, and achieve employment just like every other member of the community.

Quote attributable to Alicia Martin, Co-Creation Team, Building Design Student, and Student of the Year

Working with the teachers at The Gordon has been such an incredibly healing experience and has really allowed me to find my purpose once again. Being involved with the Centre of Excellence has helped me to recognise that despite my limitations, I can turn up as myself, in all my colour, and people will accept me and value my contribution. I have truly never experienced anything like this in my life, and even though I was devastated that I couldn't be a police officer anymore, I can now look forward to my future with hope and optimism. To have the opportunity to be encouraged and supported in this environment has built my confidence back, and I really can't put into words just how much that means to me.

Quote attributable to Joe Ormeno, CEO, The Gordon

This Centre is more than a Gordon initiative—it’s a bold step forward for vocational education across Victoria. As a Network Centre of Excellence, it will bring together students, TAFEs, communities, industry and government to lead change. It’s about advocating for inclusive design, elevating diverse voices, and building a culture where every learner can thrive.

Find out more about the Gordon’s Vision for the Centre of Excellence in Disability inclusion.