Accessibility Services

Accessibility makes reasonable adjustments to study requirements for students with a disability, medical or mental health condition whether it is temporary or permanent. We can also organise adjustments for people who are caring for someone with a disability, medical or mental health condition.

For detailed information about disability services at Federation University, check out the Student Handbook (pdf 3,312kb)

Disability Transition Support Officer

The Disability Transition Support Officer will provide one to one specialised and intensive support for students with disabilities transitioning from secondary school to Federation TAFE. Services include:

  • Assistance with understanding and preparing for the TAFE environment
  • Development of transition plans and support group meetings
  • Guidance on Reasonable Adjustments and student rights
  • Support during the first 90 days of enrolment

For more information or support, please contact: Joy Stephens-Jones, Disability Transition Support Officer Phone: (03) 5327 9470
Email: dtso.accessibility@federation.edu.au

If you are a Federation University student and you:

  • have a disability, mental health or medical condition,
  • care for someone with a disability,
  • or have a temporary disability (for example, a broken arm).

Then contact us to find out how the Accessibility team can help you!

We works in collaboration with you to meet your needs. We can help you with:

  • application and/or enrolment procedures
  • orientation to campus
  • access requirements
  • provision of adaptive study materials and equipment
  • direct learning support
  • alternative learning and assessment tasks
  • provision of information and support to other University staff
  • alternative arrangements for examinations
  • referral to community support services
  • disability discrimination and equal opportunity information.

What to know more? Check out our Student Handbook (pdf 3,265kb)

The Accessibility service is a free and confidential service. Your information will only be shared with your permission.

During your first meeting with us, you will discuss how your disability impacts on your life at University. We will work with you to determine reasonable adjustments and supports that are appropriate for your needs.

If you have documentation from your health professional (eg. doctor, psychologist, etc) about your condition, please bring it. If you don't have any documentation, come see us anyway and we can help you work what you might need.

From these discussions we will work with you to build a Learning Access Plan (LAP). Your Learning Access Plan is your document to use as you choose. You can use it to show your teachers the adjustments you require and which they should implement. We can also communicate your needs on your behalf, if you wish. You can add to, update, or cancel adjustments and supports at any time.

To find out more about what you can expect from our service, have a look at the Student Handbook (pdf 3,265kb).

The access routes marked on these maps do not contain any stairs, however the gradients of some paths may not be suitable for some users. Updates will occur periodically.

Please contact us if you have any questions or feedback regarding the accuracy of our mobility access maps. Your positive or negative experiences getting around our campuses are a great way for us to keep improving.

Our Disability Support Resource Kit (pdf 987kb) has been developed to provide clarity and support to partner providers when making reasonable adjustments for students with a disability undertaking a Federation University Australia program at their institution. In this kit you will find information and resources on:
  • What constitutes a disability
  • The Disability Standards for Education (2005)
  • Working with FedUni's Accessibility Services
  • Using reasonable adjustments
  • Your Partner Agreement
  • Adjustments authorisation guidelines and check-list
  • Relevant forms

Secondary consultation

The Accessibility team can provide secondary consultation; that is, we can consult with university staff regarding disabilities, medical and mental health. This could include:

  • Understanding complex student behaviour
  • Understanding reasonable adjustments and inherent requirements
  • Referring students for a Learning Access Plan

If you are going to refer a student yourself, please make sure to get their consent to speak with an Accessibility Officer on their behalf first.

Secondary consultation is provided by the Manager of Accessibility Services. To request a confidential  appointment for a secondary consultation please call 5327 9470.

Staff with a disability

To assist staff, their managers and other relevant areas of the University ensure reasonable adjustments are made. The Workplace Adjustments for Staff with Disability Procedure outlines a process to assist in the development and implementation of reasonable workplace adjustments. This applies to all staff and prospective staff in all situations related to their employment at Federation University (including field trips, conferences, events and functions).

The Equity and Diversity Office can provide advice and assistance in regard to this procedure.

Living with a disability, long-term injury or chronic illness can make finding work difficult. Federation has partnered with the GradWISE team to offer a program designed to boost your confidence and employment potential.

Read more about the program.

Equity at Federation
Disability education standards
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