University options for students with disabilities by Trevor Allan Head, Student Equity, Welfare & Disability Services, UWS & Petria McGoldrick Manager, Disability Services, University of Wollongong

Before Enrolment: Plan ahead Visit the Get ready for uni website Identify Career options Investigate admissions processes (UAI, EAS, UNISTART, Preparation Courses) Modes of study Pre-requisites

Before Enrolment: Work out what you want to study and why Try to develop an understanding of course requirements & approaches to Teaching & Learning. Consider things such as Labs, Placements, Field Trips as well as lectures/tutorials, etc. Be aware of available resources (e.g. Disability Unit, Web-based course material, Library resources, student mentoring programs,etc.) Know (and be as skilled as possible in) your preferred method of access (e.g. JAWS, Zoomtext, CCTV, etc.) Obtain information on admission, enrolment, course information, scholarships, accommodation, etc in an appropriate format (mostly available on web in accessible formats or contact admissions for other formats)

Before Enrolment: Talk to academics (e.g. Open Days, etc) – about courses, teaching methods. Ask if they can meet your needs (e.g. Electronic texts, course materials, lecture recordings, etc.) Contact Disability Service well in advance regarding needs (AT, course materials, exam adjustments, orientation, etc). Try to give sufficient lead time for obtaining alternative format materials (e.g. Braille/Scanning 6 to 8 weeks) DON’T OVER-ENROL! Be aware that Tertiary Study involves far more than just face-to-face time. Good idea to multiply by 3 – 10 hours lectures & tutorials x 3 = 30, + 10 F2F = 40 hours. Disabilities may be inherently more time-consuming, so need to factor that in as well.

Admission Each Uni has its own –Entry programs –Scholarships –Enrolment procedures –Web pages (& their varying formats!) –Financial assistance –Disability Services (DS) –Assistive Technology (AT) –& the list goes on....

UAC Universities Admissions Centre Educational Access Scheme (EAS) The University Access Guide Financial (HECS, Scholarships, university fees, Centrelink benefits, etc.)

When to advise, Disclosure. Disability access Personal requirements Transportation Know your rights –The Disability Discrimination Act (1992) –Privacy and Confidentiality Acts –Occupational Health and Safety Acts –Disability Standards for Education (2006)

Services Available. Alternative Exam Arrangements Interpreters Note takers Scribes, Readers, Technical Assistants Transcription Equipment Loan Assistive Technology labs Advocacy

Enrolment. Documentation for Registration with the Disability unit: Psychologists Reports Educational Assessments Neuro-Psychologist's Reports General Practitioners, Speech Pathologists, Specialist reports and School Education/BOS documentation.

Reasonable Accommodations The assessment of Student needs Identification, implementation and evaluation of reasonable adjustments required for students with disabilities Disability education, training and awareness for academic and administration staff

Role of Disability Advisor Advise, assist, devise, implement and monitor support plans Assist in the development and implementation of Academic Action Plans/Adjustments Advocacy

Academic Integration Plans Reasonable accommodations sent to academics, Library Staff and Exams Units Updated each semester. Assignment and Exams provisions Alternative assessments

So What is Important for SWD? Independence - SWD’s should know themselves & their disability Communication/listening skills –written –oral –aural Technology skills, even if it is just typing, web & The hunger to make it happen, whatever that may take Sheer determination to reach the goal

So What is Important for SWD? Do ground work looking at: –Clinical requirements –SWD’s interests and skills –Technology competence that may be required to begin & complete course –Requirements of Registration Boards etc for professional qualifications once degree is finished - could you meet their criteria?

Timetable for semester - planning and deadlines September - applications January - Semester 1 - Register with disability unit June - Semester 1 exams August - Semester 2 - Reregister with disability unit November - Semester 2 exams December - Summer Session