Resources for teaching staff
The DRC provides advice and support to Deakin students whose study or participation in university life is being impacted by a disability, health or mental health condition.
An Access Plan is a record of strategies, adjustments and services to support a student’s access, participation and independence at university. Some students are happy for the nature of their disability to be disclosed on their Access Plan, while other students are not. We respect the student's right to privacy and confidentiality.
An Access Plan is based on a student’s engagement with and information provided to the Disability Resource Centre (DRC).
Students can initiate contact with the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) at any time throughout the year, including week 11 of the trimester. Access Plans are still distributed late in the study period in case the student still requires extensions on assignments that may not be due until after the end of the teaching period. Unit Chairs will receive the ‘academic adjustments’ section of existing Access Plans early each trimester.
If an academic has any questions regarding adjustments or a student’s Access Plan they are encouraged to contact the DRC to discuss individual circumstances.
Some students can find the word ‘disability’ an unfamiliar or uncomfortable term - some students see the word as a source of pride and identity. If you think a student would benefit from registering with the DRC, it can be helpful to explain that the DRC provide advice and support students with a wide range of conditions and is a confidential service. Please encourage students to make contact with the DRC or they can request support online.
Federal and State legislation protects people with disability from discriminatory treatment in a range of areas including education, employment and access to services, facilities and public areas. Deakin policies and practices should always reflect our legal obligations. Key legislation includes:
Disability Discrimination Act (1992)
Reasonable adjustments are required by law. Reasonable adjustments are designed to enable students to achieve their potential within a framework of academic standards. A reasonable adjustment is a measure implemented by education provider to assist a student with disability to apply, enrol and participate in a course on the same basis as other students.
Access Plans are a tool to help academics identify adjustments that might be reasonable for a student.
It is important to note that ‘treating all students the same' does not always equate to treating all students equitably. There is a need to consider a student's circumstances and to make adjustments. It is essential that the academic standards of the course are maintained.
Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
Milken Institute of Public Health: George Washington University
Inclusive Education is everybody’s business
Roger Slee, 2011
Deakin’s Inclusive teaching Toolkit
Deakin’s guide for creating accessible content online
Deakin's guide to teaching online for students who experience hearing loss (PDF, 124.6KB)
If you have any questions not covered above, please don’t hesitate to contact the Disability Resource Centre (DRC).