Prof. Amanda Webster (Ph.D.)
Registered Developmental Educator
Amanda is the Associate Professor, Academic Program Director for Autism and Inclusive Education at University of Wollongong (UOW) and registered Developmental Educator providing telehealth and in-person services in NSW and QLD.
As a researcher with the Australian Autism CRC, Amanda has contributed to the national needs analysis project and has led UOW partner with the CRC in co-production of research with autistic community members and their families. She is committed to community-based research with a focus on leadership and facilitation of inclusive cultures and practice that empower students and families to exercise agency in their lives. Amanda has completed several large-scale projects examining the role of leaders in inclusive education reform and the decision-making processes utilised by stakeholders to support students with a range of needs.
She has led the development of a community of practice in which autistic adults, family members and service providers have worked together to identify factors and practices that influence their ability to exercise agency in different settings. This group is now developing a framework to support autistic individuals to demonstrate greater self-determination as they move from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood.
Prior to her academic career, Dr. Webster worked for over 30 years with autistic and neurodivergent students and their families in her roles as a teacher, school leader / principal, and program director.
Dr. Webster is actively involved with peak autism and disabilities organisations across Australia and with education departments in Queensland, NSW and Tasmania. Her work has culminated in a number of peer reviewed publications including three books overviewing case studies and models of practice for empowering and supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals and families in community and school settings.
Amanda is available in Wollongong NSW for in-person consults, and Australia-wide for telehealth consults.
To make an appointment with Amanda, please click HERE.
What is a Developmental Educator (DE)?
Developmental Educators are highly skilled multi-disciplinary disability specialists with passion and expertise in fostering the skills, independence and quality of life of individuals with developmental and/or acquired disabilities. They have a practical approach and work holistically across the life span to address issues which may affect the function, independence and social inclusion of individuals with disability, their families and carers.
Developmental Educators implement and develop methodologies that enable the application of effective strategies to support the individual developmental learning goals of people who experience challenges such as acquired brain injury, physical and neurological disabilities, autism spectrum, intellectual disability, and other disabilities.
They also work closely with families and caregivers, and other allied health professionals who may be involved in the support of an individual.
Developmental Educators are highly valued and sought-after professionals in the disability sector, by both parents of individuals with disability and disability service providers to provide developmental and behavioural assessments and intervention supports in line with NDIS Plan.
For more information on Developmental Educators click here.
Information source www.deai.com.au
