Request disability support
Once you have determined your eligibility for support, you can register with the Disability Resource Centre (DRC).
When requesting support you will be:
- prompted to describe the situation impacting your studies
- asked how you think the DRC can support you
- asked to provide supporting documentation.
After you make your request you will be assigned a disability liaison officer (DLO) and will receive an email invitation (within two business days) to book an appointment with them at a time that suits you.
Have a question?
If you're already registered with the DRC or you're seeking further information about registration and support, you can also drop in and see us on campus.
What to expect from a disability liaison officer (DLO) appointment
Your DLO will:
- advise and assist you to access services appropriate for you
- recommend strategies that will help to minimise any educational disadvantage.
This appointment may take around 45 minutes.
Preparing for your appointment
- Think about the way your condition impacts your studies or creates barriers to your learning and participation at university.
- Consider ways you believe those barriers could be reduced or eliminated.
The DLO will be able to provide you with assistance with this if needed.
Providing supporting documentation
In most cases, supporting documentation is required before an access plan can be created. Supporting documentation will assist the DLO in identifying and seeking support or adjustments suited to your situation.
Supporting documentation must:
- include information on your condition or a diagnosis
- describe how your study may be affected by your condition/situation
- detail whether your condition is permanent, ongoing or temporary (and if temporary, the likely timeframe for your recovery)
- be recorded in the DRC Supporting Documentation form (PDF, 208.5KB), in a letter, or outlined in a report
- include a provider number and/or stamp
- be dated and signed by the practitioner
- be in English (or be translated by an accredited translator).
Supporting documentation must be completed by a registered health professional in the field relating to the disability or health condition. Examples of healthcare professionals include:
- general practitioner
- physician
- psychiatrist
- psychologist
- surgeon
- mental health nurse
- occupational therapist
- speech pathologist
- social worker
- optometrist
- medical specialist
- audiologist
- physiotherapist
- other – discuss with the DRC if you have documentation from a healthcare professional not mentioned on this list.
A learning disability must be supported by a current report (written within the past three years) from a psychologist or other qualified professional. If you do not have a current report, please contact the DRC to discuss further.
Developing an access plan
An access plan is a study support plan prepared to minimise the educational disadvantage you may experience resulting from a disability, health condition, mental health condition or caring responsibilities. Your access plan will detail the adjustments recommended to assist you to participate in and meet your course requirements.
It will also notify the University of any adjustments or services recommended to you for undertaking your studies. With your permission, a copy of relevant adjustments will be forwarded to faculty and services staff whose involvement is required under your plan.
An access plan is not mandatory. Inclusive teaching and learning practice are a high priority at Deakin, so in many cases your needs may already be met by standard practice. You may also liaise directly with faculty or services staff (for instance, library staff) to arrange for your own access and learning if you choose.
If you and the DLO feel you do need an access plan, your DLO will prepare it with your assistance and recommendations from your practitioner.
The DLO will review your access plan with you on an agreed schedule and be available to discuss any aspects of your plan. You can make contact with the DRC any time to review your plan.