Disability Program

• Disability Liaison Officer
• Graduate Qualities
• Registration of disability
• Disclosure Permission
• Independent Learning Program
• Independent Learning Skills

 Disability Liaison Officer

The Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) can provide advice on how particular disabilities affect university study and information on resources available at the University for assisting students with disability. 

Graduate Qualities

Studying at this University means that you will develop the distinctive qualities of a University of Wollongong graduate. These qualities will develop as a result of interacting with teachers, other students, course resources, the community and your professional experiences. Developing these qualities enables you to take on your role in society and to become a valued professional.

It is important that students have the opportunity to develop the University of Wollongong Graduate Qualities so that they can become informed and responsible and to be an independent learner, problem solver and effective communicator.

The following pages outline each of the five graduate qualities and provide you with links to information and resources that will assist you consider ways you can support student development of the graduate qualities through the learning activities you coordinate, the assessment tasks you design and the professional experiences you facilitate.

Each Quality has its own page – see links below or in left-hand menu

• Informed Have a sound knowledge of an area of study...
• Independent Learner Engage with new ideas and ways of thinking...
• Problem Solver Take on challenges and opportunities...
• Effective Communicator Articulate ideas and convey them effectively...
• Responsible Understand how decisions can affect others...

Information on the development and implementation of the University of Wollongong Graduate Qualities can be found in the Graduate Qualities Policy

The units of the Academic Services Division support subject and program coordinators seeking to integrate the development of Graduate Qualities into curriculum by collaborating on learning design, academic development, student support, research and information services, peer assisted learning and learning development.

http://www.uow.edu.au/student/qualities/index.html

 Registration of disability

In order to make use of the facilities available at the University, students must first register with the Disability Liaison Officer by providing a recent specialist's assessment of their disability. This specialist assessment should also provide advice to the University on the type of assistance students may require in order to pursue their studies. This information enables the University to provide appropriate assistance and make wise use of public funds provided to Universities. Generally, mobility difficulties and medical conditions require documentation from a medical specialist; learning difficulties require assessment from an educational psychologist or consultant; psychiatric disabilities require assessment from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The DLO can advise students on the forms of assessment which are acceptable to the University. Registered students should advise the DLO if they alter their subject enrolment, take leave of absence or discontinue their studies.

 Disclosure Permission

In most cases, it is in the best interest of students with a disability or medical condition to inform teaching staff of their needs. This enables staff to adapt their teaching practice to a specific disability. If students sign a disclosure consent form the DLO can communicate their needs to teaching staff. Alternatively, students can speak to teaching staff about what they require.

 Independent Learning Program

Once registered, the Disability Liaison Officer can provide referral to the University's programs and resources for students with disability. The DLO will discuss the setting up of an Independent Learning Program which will involve assessing the skills needed to meet the demands of the course; how to develop these skills and the resources which the University can provide. This may involve developing study skills in a manner which is appropriate for a specific disability; learning to use assistive technology or making use of resources such as notetakers or alternative assessment systems.

 Independent Learning Skills

Students with disability at the University of Wollongong need to ensure that they take responsibility for their learning through the development of generic skills. For students with disability this will mean developing their learning skills to the limits of their capacity. This may involve specialised assistance in the development of particular learning skills or it may mean developing skills in the use of assistive technology.