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Student FAQs

Registering with Disability Services

How Can Disability Services Help Me?

Communicating with Disability Services

Privacy & Confidentiality

Other Support Services

Academic Concerns

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Who can register for Disability Services?
A student who has a disability as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) AND whose disability impacts or in the case of prospective students has the potential to impact on the student’s University studies in some way, AND the student has supporting documentation i.e. medical documentation describing the disability and any corresponding need for services and/or adjustments.

When should I contact Disability Services?
It is preferable to contact Disability Services prior to commencing study, to ensure there is sufficient time for any modifications to be put in place. You can contact Disability Services at any time prior to your application or admission to the University of Sydney for information on the types of services that may be available to you.

How do I register for Disability Services?
You must make an appointment with a Disability Services Officer and bring supporting documentation and other pertinent information, including details of your current enrolled courses (name, unit code and lecturer/tutor).

Do I need to re-register each semester?
Students who have supplied sufficient documentation during register as to the nature and extent of their disability do not need to re-register each semester. However, if the condition fluctuates or changes at all updated documentation will be required to support the ongoing provision of services. Students registered with a temporary illness or injury will need to supply updated documentation on a semester basis if there are ongoing concerns and need for support.

I have a mental health condition. Can I register with Disability Services?
Yes, mental health conditions are included in the Disability Discrimination Act (1992). Many students registered with Disability Services have mental health conditions.

I have a temporary disability. Can I register with Disability Services?
Yes. If you have a temporary disability (i.e broken limb, affected mobility, short term medical conditions) that impact on your ability to study you may be eligible for support from Disability Services. You must make an appointment with a Disability Services Officer and bring supporting documentation.

I am an International student. Can I register with Disability Services?
Yes, providing you meet the criteria of a student who can register. Please note that the assistance and support you received at your home institution may not be the same as those available in Australia.

I ticked the disability box on my UAC form, am I now registered with Disability Services?
No, this is for statistical purposes only collected by the University as a whole. This information is not referred to Disability Services, you must follow the procedure for registering to receive assistance and support.

What type of supporting documentation do I need to provide?
The supporting documentation must be current (within the last 6 months), typed on letterhead from your treating specialist and include:

  • referring doctor’s name, contact details and address
  • nature of the your condition/s (including specifications i.e. the extent of vision loss; how far you can walk unaided and if the condition is temporary how long it is likely to persist).
  • how this may affect your studies (i.e. unable to write, unable to walk up stairs, unable to hear lecturers, impacts of anxiety or depression)
  • any medication that you may be taking which may affect your ability to study; any medical attention necessary (such as assistance required due to diabetes, epilepsy or a heart condition);
  • any particular assistance you are seeking (such as more time on examinations or use of assistive technologies).

I am an existing student. I have a disability and am not registered with Disability Services. Can I register and seek support for subjects retrospectively?
Disability Services can offer assistance towards subjects you are currently enrolled in at the time of registration. In most instances, Disability Services cannot assist with matters that have taken place prior to your registration.

Will my adjustments be the same as what I received during previous study?
Not necessarily. Each institution determines adjustments for students on an individual basis. Your needs will be discussed during an appointment with a Disability Services Officer, and you will be advised of the University’s adjustments that are appropriate for your needs.

I will be studying at Sydney for one semester as a Study Abroad/Exchange student. Will I receive the same support that I currently get at my home university?
Not all universities can offer the same level of support and there may be some differences between Sydney and your home university. To review the support that you may be eligible to receive, you will need to register with Disability Services before your semester starts.

What services are available through Disability Services?
Services that are available, depending on your circumstances, include:

  • Letter of Introduction
  • Access to Assistive Technology
  • Library Support Services
  • Access to Resting Rooms and Lockers
  • Access Provisions for students with physical disabilities
  • T-Loops for students with hearing impairments
  • Assignment Extensions
  • Notetaking Services
  • Exam Adjustments
  • Loan of Equipment
  • Travel Concessions

Can I get accessible parking?
Students wishing to park in marked disabled parking bays requires current valid Road Transport Authority (RTA) Mobility Parking Permit. The University may also, at its discretion, provide temporary access to on-campus parking for students who provide the Director of the University Health Service with satisfactory evidence of a medical condition that causes significant impediment to that person's access to the University campus.
Refer here for further information.

How do I apply for examination adjustments?
At the time of registering with Disability Services a Disability Services Officer will determine if you are eligible for exam adjustments. Once determined, for formal/final examinations, at approximately the same time the examination schedule is released you will be required to confirm with Disability Services which exams you require adjustments for. For in-department examinations, a request must be lodged with Disability Services at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled
exam.

Can Disability Services arrange a referral?
Disability Services can recommend other services within the University that could be useful for you to access, such as Counselling, the Learning Centre or the Psychology Clinic. An official referral is not required to access these services.

My disability affects my mobility. Where can I find access information for all campuses?
Please refer to the Online Access Maps.

As part of my degree I am required to undertake a practicum. How do I arrange support for this?
You should contact Disability Services, who can arrange a meeting with your supervisor.

I received tutoring assistance at my previous educational institution. Will I still receive this at Sydney?
Students who require tutoring to support their studies will need to make these arrangements privately as this is not a service we can provide.

Can Disability Services help me with my employment search?
No, but there is a dedicated team within the Careers Centre that can. Please refer to their website for specific information about employment, opportunities and services for graduates with a disability.

How do I contact Disability Services?
Students can contact Disability Services by phone and email, or in person. Please refer to the Contacts page.

How will Disability Services know what I need each semester?
Disability Services keep records of the services each student is eligible to access, however, each student must indicate to Disability Services on a semester basis on the requirements for that semester. Disability Services will send out reminder emails regarding your interest in some services (eg notetaking, timetable adjustments), but in general it is each student's responsibility to contact Disability Services with direct requests as they are needed.

Will my registration and access of Disability Services be recorded on my academic transcript?
No. Disability Services keeps a record of registered students. These files have restricted access. There is no transferring of information to your academic record.

Who has access to the information I provide to Disability Services?
Personal information about students is protected under the Privacy and Personal Information Act 1998 (NSW), the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and under the University of Sydney’s Privacy Policy and Plan. To access support and adjustments it is necessary to disclose your condition or disability by registering with Disability Services and providing the appropriate supporting documentation. In most circumstances it will not be necessary for Disability Services staff to share or disclose information provided by students regarding their condition or disability.

Can I request a copy of my file?
Yes. You can make a request in writing to have a copy sent to you, or nominate a third party that you would like it sent to.

Do I need to inform my lecturers of my disability?
It is up to you how much information you wish to provide to academic staff directly. Disclosure is a personal choice, the individual must make their own decisions pertinent to their situation. Many students find it helpful, though it is not compulsory. Any concerns regarding disclosure should be discussed with a Disability Services Officer.

Is there anyone I can talk to within my Faculty regarding my disability?
Yes. All faculties/schools have a staff member appointed as a Student Disability Liaison Officer (SDLO). Contact your SDLO to discuss any concerns you may have regarding assistance within your Faculty.

How can I access specific support for my particular disability?
Please refer to the Support Groups page on our website.

When should I apply for Special Consideration?
Students must lodge an application for Special Consideration when they have not sat an examination on the scheduled date or have breeched their attendance requirements due to serious illness or misadventure. Assignment extensions can be sought through Disability Services and do not normally require an application for Special Consideration to be submitted.

What is the procedure for applying for Special Consideration?
Applications for Special Consideration must be lodged with the relevant faculty office, and received within one week from the end of the period (i.e. assignment due date or date of examination) for which consideration is sought. To apply for Special Consideration, you will need to:

  • Obtain a special consideration application from the relevant faculty office, faculty website or the Student Centre.
  • Complete the special consideration application form.
  • For consideration due to serious illness have a registered medical practitioner or counsellor complete the Professional Practitioners Certificate.
  • For consideration due to misadventure attach the appropriate documentation.
  • Applications for Special Consideration need to be lodged directly through your Faculty, NOT through Disability Services.

I have been asked to show cause. Am I able to get assistance from Disability Services?
Disability Services cannot assist students in this regard. We would refer students to the SRC (undergraduate students) and SUPRA (postgraduate students) who can offer appropriate assistance to students who have been asked to show cause.

I failed my first year due to my disability. Can my academic transcript be amended?
Please refer to the SRC or SUPRA for advice and assistance regarding Academic Appeals.

How long do I have to my finish my degree?
The standard time frame for completion of a degree is 10 years, though please note that certain degrees can differ in their length of candidature. You must refer to your Faculty for advice on your particular course of study.

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