Disability Support

Services

Students with disabilities and/or medical conditions which may impact on their ability to study have access to a range of support services to assist them in their studies, and may have special arrangements made to enable them to succeed at University. For eligible students, these services may include:

• Notetaking assistance in class or access to digital note takers
• Access to alternative format material (e.g. for students who are blind or have low vision)
• AUSLAN or Signed English Interpreters for deaf students (please note that limited interpreting services are available)
• Access to specialised software and computers (at certain locations)
• Assistance of a reader or scribe, and/or provision of extra time in an examination
• Access to a computer in an examination (at certain locations)
• Access to an electric scooter (at certain locations)
• A personal counselling service

Support services will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the functional implications of the individual disability and/or medical condition as well as the inherent requirements of the course of study being undertaken. For further information, please refer to the Policy on Academic Adjustments for Students with Disabilities.

Make early contact

If you have a disability and/or medical condition which may impact on your ability to study and think you might require access to support services, you are encouraged to make contact with us as soon as possible.

Some support is able to be co-ordinated quickly, however some support services may take time to arrange and making early contact will ensure appropriate support services are in place for the commencement of your studies.

If you are blind (or have low vision), deaf, or have a significant physical disability which requires a high level of support, you must contact the Student Equity & Disability Officer using the information above as early as possible (at least 3–4 months prior to your intended enrolment) to ensure support services are in place for the commencement of your studies.

If you require support in an end-of-term examination (e.g. extra time, use of a scribe or reader, access to a computer, etc), you must make contact with the Student Equity & Disability Officer at least six weeks prior to your first examination period to ensure support services can be arranged in time.

Scholarships

A number of special admission schemes and scholarships are available for prospective students, including students with a disability. See the Disability Scholarships links page for more information.

Student Equity Support

Services

The University has a number of Equity and Diversity Contacts who act as a point of contact for students who may have a query or concern about an equity or diversity matter. They are volunteer staff, who have a genuine commitment to the principles of equity and social justice.

An Equity and Diversity Contact can help students to identify the nature of an enquiry/complaint & provide information on the scope of University policies/procedures & the possible options available to resolve a matter, including for further assistance, referral to a Student Equity & Disability Officer.

The Student Equity & Disability Officer is available to provide advice and support to students who believe they may have been discriminated against by a member of staff or another student because of race, religion, sexuality, age, disability or gender. Southern Cross University does not condone harassment, bullying or unlawful discrimination and values diversity in employment and education.

For further information see Southern Cross University’s policy on Harrassment, Bullying & Discrimination.

Dealing with these issues can be distressing and impact on peoples well being. Further support is also available through the University’s Counselling Services.

Updated: 14 June 2011