Pre-tertiary education in Australia, while historically a state responsibility, is being increasingly impacted on by federal initiatives that seek to influence curriculum content and emphases. These influences derive from an economic rationalist approach, in which education is being viewed as an industry to service the needs of the labour force. Consequently tensions emerge from conflicting priorities in debates about the purpose and future of schooling, particularly in the areas of literacy, numeracy and science. This paper reports the results of a project which employed a Delphi methodology to address the future of scientific literacy within the Australian school context. A national panel of respondents included representatives from major interest groups including professional associations, employers, Ministries of Education, academics and practising science teachers. The information obtained from the participants included quantifiable numerical data derived from structured responses, and open qualitative data generated in free response mode. The data were processed to generate future anticipated and desired priorities for school science. Additionally, two scenarios were generated from respondent comments that are described respectively as foundational and futuristic in their visions. The outcomes of the study were reflected against a contemporary review of Science Curriculum commissioned for the state of Queensland.

The low rate of assistive device use by people with high-level quadriplegia is of concern. This study suggests that increased levels of training in the use of computers and assistive devices needs to be provided to people with physical disabilities.

This study examined the impact of computer and assistive device use on the employment status and vocational modes of people with physical disabilities in Australia. A survey was distributed to people over 15 years in age with physical disabilities living in the Brisbane area. Responses were received from 82 people, including those with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Of respondents 46 were employed, 22 were unemployed, and 12 were either students or undertaking voluntary work. Three-quarters of respondents used a computer in their occupations, while 15 used assistive devices. Using logistic regression analysis it was found that gender, education, level of computer skill and computer training were significant predictors of employment outcomes. Neither the age of respondent nor use of assistive software were significant predictors. From information obtained in this study guidelines for a training programme designed to maximize the employability of people with physical disabilities were developed.

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