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Support Groups and Related Links

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Studying at University can be challenging at the best of times and having a disability can add to the stress a student may experience. It is important to know that you are not alone and that there are others who are experiencing or have experienced similar challenges. The following links are provided to put you in contact with support groups inside and outside of the University, so that you are able to gain (or offer) help from people in similar circumstances.

On this page you will find information provided in the following support options:

  • Internal Support Networks
  • External Support Networks
  • Disability Information
  • Government Departments
  • Discrimination
  • Assistive Technology

Internal Support Networks

Mental Health Support Group (MHSG)
The MHSG is run by the University's Disability and Counselling Services. Students can be nominated for the group by a Disability Services Officer or a Counsellor. The group runs each semester and focuses on developing skills, strategies to cope with common issues that are identified by the group and provides resource and information sharing.

The Counselling Service
The Counselling Service is a free and confidential service for all locally enrolled students to assist in the development of skills and techniques to manage social, academic and personal difficulties. Group programs are available to all students. Go to our website to download information sheets, worksheets and MP3 tracks. International students can receive direct counseling support through the International Student Support Unit (ISSU).

International Student Support Unit (ISSU)
The International Student Support Unit (ISSU) aims to help international students develop successful strategies for coping with the challenges of living and studying in an unfamiliar culture, to achieve success in their studies and to make the experience of being an international student rewarding and enjoyable.

Mentoring Access Program (MAP)
The Mentoring Access Program (MAP) is a peer mentoring program that links new students with a disability (mentee) with a current student with a disability (mentor) studying in the same faculty. MAP aims to assist new students with a disability with their transition to studying at the University and improve their first year experience. MAP runs at the beginning of each semester (over 4 weeks), and Mentees are nominated to take part in MAP when they register with Disability Services.

External Support Networks

Links to various networks are provided for the following areas:

- Cancer
- Hearing Disabilities
- HIV/AIDS
- Learning Disabilities
- Mental Health Disorders
- Neurological Disabilities
- Physical and Medical Disabilities
- Visual / Sight Disabilities

Cancer

Hearing Disabilities

HIV / AIDS

Learning Disabilities

Mental Health Disorders

Neurological Disabilities

Physical and Medical Disabilities

Visual / Sight Disabilities

General Disability Information

  • The National Council on Intellectual Disability (NCID) is the national association representing people with intellectual disability and their families in Australia.
  • Disability Information Network Australia (DINA) is a group of disability information providers with interest in resource and information sharing and networking.
  • NICAN is information on recreation, tourism, sport and the arts for people with disabilities and supports an Australian society where any recreational opportunity values diversity, supports freedom and choice and strengthens inclusive communities.
  • National Disability Services (NDS) NDS is a national body with a membership of over 600 non profit organisations who provide a range of services and supports to people with disabilities. The NDS Board of Directors is elected from the membership. NDS's mission is to drive the development of quality services and life opportunities for people with disability.
  • Sydney For All is a website listing of accessible activities and attractions around Sydney.
  • NDCO - National Disability Coordination Officer Program works toward the Australia-wide coordination and delivery of transition services for people with a disability who are at, or who will be attending, university, vocational education and training or another training organisation.
  • Creating Accessible teaching & Support (CATS) is focussed on providing university staff with information that will assist them to make education more accessible to students with disability.

Government Departments

  • The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs is responsible for income support, housing policy, community support, disability services, child care services and family issues, including family payments, child support and family relationships.
  • Centrelink is a government agency delivering a range of Commonwealth services to the Australian community.
  • CRS Australia delivers vocational rehabilitation services to Australian citizens or residents who have an injury, disability or health condition. We assist people who have a disability or injury to get a job or return to their job.
  • Department of Aging, Disability & Home Care has information on areas of interest for people with a disability.

Discrimination

Assistive Technology

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