Disability Program

• Disability Liaison Officer
• Studying at the University of Wollongong
• 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. Steve Brigham is the DLO for the Bega centre. He can be contacted by phone on 0438 365 526; by email sbrigham@uow.edu.au or by contacting the Centre Manager on 6494 7035.

Studying at the University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong has set clear goals for the education of students across all faculties. These are outlined in the Graduate Attributes for students completing a degree at the University:

1. A commitment to continued and independent learning, intellectual development, critical analysis and creativity.
2. Coherent and extensive knowledge in a discipline, appropriate ethical standards and where appropriate, defined professional skills.
3. A capacity for, and an understanding of, teamwork.
4. An ability to logically analyse issues, consider different options and viewpoints and implement decisions.
5. A desire to continually seek improved solutions and to initiate, and participate in, organisational and social change.
6. Self-confidence combined with oral and written communication skills of a high level.
7. A basic understanding of information literacy and specific skills in acquiring, organising and presenting information, particularly through computer-based activity.
8. An appreciation and valuing of cultural and intellectual diversity and the ability to function in a multi-cultural or global environment.
9. An acknowledgment and acceptance of individual responsibilities and obligations and the rights of the individual and the community.

Graduates with these attributes can be best described as being independent, life long learners. The generic skills associated with these attributes can be applied in all areas of work and community life.

Opportunities for developing these attributes and generic skills are built into all degree programs. The University of Wollongong aims to provide students with disability the opportunities necessary for developing the full range of generic skills associated with the graduate attributes. If a disability presents a challenge to the development of these generic skills the University will endeavour to provide resources which will enable students to develop the graduate attributes. In practical terms this may mean the provision of a program to help students with a learning disability improve their reading skills or provide a visually impaired student with assistive technology which will enable access to print material. The following information provides an introduction as to how Student Services can assist students with their particular needs.

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.