Study Supports
There are a wide range of study supports that are available to students with disabilities in tertiary education. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) it is the responsibility of education providers to make reasonable adjustments so that people with disabilities have equal access to education. To find out about the range of study supports/accommodations available in tertiary education contact disability staff to have a confidential chat. Examples of the range of study supports/accommodations include:
- note takers
- Auslan interpreters
- texts in alternative formats
- assistive technology
- alternative exam arrangements
- alternative forms of assessment
- extra time for exams and assignments.
To access study supports you must register with disability staff so they can work with you to establish an Access Plan. This document sets out any reasonable adjustments you may need to undertake your course or program. There is no cost to access supports or accommodations as the education provider is required to provide these services under the DDA. Most tertiary institutions have a range of services already in place for students with disabilities including computers with assistive technology, note takers, mobility accessible venues.
It is important to approach disability staff as early as possible so they can organise any supports/accommodations you may need in time for the start of your course or subject. Before seeing disability staff you need to give some thought as to how your disability and/or medical condition will impact upon your course of study.
Refer to Worksheet 4 - Understanding your study requirements (worksheet 4 as text 63KB or worksheet 4 as PDF 94KB) and Worksheet 5 -Questions to ask the Disability Liaison Officer or Student Support Officer (worksheet 5 as text 23KB or worksheet 5 as PDF 81KB).
For further information refer to disability staff, Access Plans and RDLO/DCO.
Jody Holdback talks about the
study supports she used at university
Justene Knight talks about the
range of
study supports she negotiated at
university