university options for students with disabilities
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University options for students with disabilities. by Trevor Allan Head, Student Equity, Welfare & Disability Services, UWS & Petria McGoldrick Manager, Disability Services, University of Wollongong. Before Enrolment:. Plan ahead Visit the Get ready for uni website - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
University options for students University options for students with disabilitieswith disabilities
by Trevor Allan Head, Student Equity, Welfare & Disability Services, UWS
& Petria McGoldrickManager, Disability Services, University of Wollongong
Before Enrolment:Before Enrolment:
Plan ahead Visit the Get ready for uni website
www.uws.edu.au/ndco/getready Identify Career options Investigate admissions processes (UAI, EAS,
UNISTART, Preparation Courses) Modes of study Pre-requisites
Before Enrolment:Before Enrolment:
Work out what you want to study and why Try to develop an understanding of course requirements & approaches
to Teaching & Learning. Consider things such as Labs, Placements, Field Trips as well as lectures/tutorials, etc.
Be aware of available resources (e.g. Disability Unit, Web-based course material, Library resources, student mentoring programs,etc.)
Know (and be as skilled as possible in) your preferred method of access (e.g. JAWS, Zoomtext, CCTV, etc.)
Obtain information on admission, enrolment, course information, scholarships, accommodation, etc in an appropriate format (mostly available on web in accessible formats or contact admissions for other formats)
Before Enrolment:Before Enrolment:
Talk to academics (e.g. Open Days, etc) – about courses, teaching methods. Ask if they can meet your needs (e.g. Electronic texts, course materials, lecture recordings, etc.)
Contact Disability Service well in advance regarding needs (AT, course materials, exam adjustments, orientation, etc). Try to give sufficient lead time for obtaining alternative format materials (e.g. Braille/Scanning 6 to 8 weeks)
DON’T OVER-ENROL! Be aware that Tertiary Study involves far more than just face-to-face time. Good idea to multiply by 3 – 10 hours lectures & tutorials x 3 = 30, + 10 F2F = 40 hours. Disabilities may be inherently more time-consuming, so need to factor that in as well.
AdmissionAdmission
Each Uni has its own– Entry programs– Scholarships– Enrolment procedures– Web pages (& their varying formats!)– Financial assistance– Disability Services (DS)– Assistive Technology (AT)– & the list goes on . . . .
UACUAC
Universities Admissions Centre Educational Access Scheme (EAS) The University Access Guide Financial (HECS, Scholarships, university fees,
Centrelink benefits, etc.)
When to advise, Disclosure.When to advise, Disclosure.
Disability access Personal requirements Transportation Know your rights
– The Disability Discrimination Act (1992)– Privacy and Confidentiality Acts– Occupational Health and Safety Acts– Disability Standards for Education (2006)
Services Available.Services Available.
Alternative Exam Arrangements Interpreters Note takers Scribes, Readers, Technical Assistants Transcription Equipment Loan Assistive Technology labs Advocacy
Enrolment. Enrolment.
Documentation for Registration with the Disability unit:
Psychologists Reports Educational Assessments Neuro-Psychologist's Reports General Practitioners, Speech
Pathologists, Specialist reports and School Education/BOS documentation.
Reasonable AccommodationsReasonable Accommodations
The assessment of Student needs Identification, implementation and
evaluation of reasonable adjustments required for students with disabilities
Disability education, training and awareness for academic and administration staff
Role of Disability AdvisorRole of Disability Advisor
Advise, assist, devise, implement and monitor support plans
Assist in the development and implementation of Academic Action Plans/Adjustments
Advocacy
Academic Integration PlansAcademic Integration Plans
Reasonable accommodations sent to academics, Library Staff and Exams Units
Updated each semester. Assignment and Exams provisions Alternative assessments
So What is Important for SWD?So What is Important for SWD?
Independence - SWD’s should know themselves & their disability
Communication/listening skills– written
– oral
– aural Technology skills, even if it is just typing, web & email The hunger to make it happen, whatever that may take Sheer determination to reach the goal
So What is Important for SWD?So What is Important for SWD?
Do ground work looking at:– Clinical requirements– SWD’s interests and skills– Technology competence that may be required
to begin & complete course– Requirements of Registration Boards etc for
professional qualifications once degree is finished - could you meet their criteria?
Timetable for semester - planning Timetable for semester - planning and deadlinesand deadlinesSeptember - applicationsJanuary - Semester 1 - Register with disability
unitJune - Semester 1 examsAugust - Semester 2 - Reregister with disability
unitNovember - Semester 2 examsDecember - Summer Session