DISABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

Definitions

• Disability: Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others (source: https://australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au/resources/disability-statistics/what-is-disability#:~:text=United%20Nations%20definition&text=Persons%20with%20disabilities%20include%20those,an%20equal%20basis%20with%20others.). 

• Accessibility: Accessibility is whether a product, service, process, or design can be used and/or understood by everyone who interacts with it (source: https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/language-and-definitions). 

• Accommodation: Accommodation is a change that removes the barrier to participation for a person. The person may have the same expectations and do the same activity, but how they participate is different (source: https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/language-and-definitions). 

The University of Newcastle and University of New England provide a wide range of services for students with a permanent or temporary disability or medical condition to reduce the impact of their condition on their studies.  Support services include, where reasonable, the provision of equipment, examination adjustments, provision of course materials in an accessible format, lecture support, assessment support, practical assistance, library assistance, advice and information, and advocacy and liaison where required.

To enable the Universities to assess if they are able to provide a student with reasonable adjustments to services and facilities to reduce the impact of their condition on their studies, it is in the best interests of the student that the disability and/or condition is identified and assessed early, potentially before an individual enrolls. Accordingly, the JMP urges students with medical, physical or emotional / psychological conditions or disabilities that may lead to them requiring additional support, services or assistance to make their situation known to the relevant University student support unit as soon as possible. If necessary and reasonable, the University will put into place an individual program of support.

Further information about student support services may be obtained by contacting:

University of New England: Special Needs Office T: +61 2 6773 2897; E: accessinclusion@une.edu.au

UNE Student Accessibility and Wellbeing

The Student Accessibility & Wellbeing Office (SAWO) aims to create an inclusive learning environment for UNE's diverse student population by helping students overcome barriers to their university studies.

SAWO coordinates services and support for various student groups, including those:

• with a disability and/or health condition

• who are carers

• victim-survivors of domestic violence

• residing in rural and remote areas

• incarcerated

• on permanent humanitarian visas

• members of the defence force and emergency services

• elite athletes

We are committed to ensuring all our students have access to equal learning opportunities.

If you feel that you would benefit from some extra support and have questions you'd like to discuss with an Accessibility and Wellbeing Coordinator before you register with us, you are welcome to book a 30-minute appointment.

BOOK ONLINE

https://outlook.office365.com/book/UNEStudentAccessInclusionandWellbeing@myune.onmicrosoft.com/

We are available via phone or face-to-face on the Armidale campus (Anaiwan Country). Please advise which option you require when booking an appointment.