Scope of the Southern Cross University Disability Action Plan 2008-2010

Unless otherwise stated, the Southern Cross University (the University) Disability Action Plan (the DAP) strategies refer to all of the University campuses and University centres.

The DAP has the following primary aims:

1. To assist in promoting the University's Objectives and Principles as set out in the Policy on Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities, specifically Objective 1.2.3 which aims 'to ensure the provision of services that are provided in ways that promote in the University community a positive image of persons with disabilities and enhance their self-esteem'. Furthermore, Principle 2.3 states that 'The University aims to raise the awareness of the University community regarding the needs and rights of people with disabilities'. (Southern Cross University, Equity Services, Policy on Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities, April 1999, p1 & 2).
2. To ensure the University complies with the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the Act), the Queensland Anti Discrimination Act 1991 the NSW Anti Discrimination Act 1977, the NSW Disability Services Act 1993 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 formulated under the Act. The Act recommends that developing an Action Plan will assist organisations to comply with the legislation and provides for lodging the plan with Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
3. To ensure the University complies with the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC), now Universities Australia, Guidelines relating to Students with a Disability (May 2006).

   The AVCC Guidelines under Section 3, Policy and Administration, indicate that:

   The University has a Disability Action Plan which sets out strategies to enhance equal opportunity for students with a disability, identifies objectives and performance measures and monitors and reports progress towards achievement of these objectives. (AVCC Guidelines for Student with a Disability, May 2006, p4).

   Underpinning the AVCC Guidelines are two key principles, the second aimed specifically at accommodations for students with disabilities where it says:

   Universities provide students with a disability with the opportunity to realise their academic and social potential and to participate fully in university life. (AVCC Guidelines for Student with a Disability, May 2006, p3).

Updated: 08 June 2011