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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Disability Support services available at all campuses?
Support and services are available to students with a disability at all campuses of the University. The support and services may be delivered in a slightly different way at different campuses.
Can I get disability parking on campus?
Yes, you can. There are two types of permits available:

Mobility Permit
Students who have been granted an RTA Mobility Permit (category: wheelchair and unable to walk more than 100m) are eligible for a free University Mobility Parking Permit. This permit is valid for parking in disabled car parking spaces. You can apply through Facilities Management Services (located in the Services Building) and must support your application by presenting the RTA Mobility Permit as verification.

Disability Access Permit
Students who need closer parking because of a medical condition can apply for a Disability Permit. This permit is to be used in conjunction with a paid parking permit and enables the student to park in staff parking areas. You can apply through Disability Support Service in the Student Services Centre. Please note that your application must be supported by a current doctor's certificate outlining the duration the permit will be required and the reason the closer proximity parking is required.

For more information, refer to the Parking website.

Can I use the Disability Support Service if I have a temporary disability such as a broken arm?
Yes, you can. The Disability Support Service provides support and services to students who have either a temporary or a permanent disability.
Can the Disability Support Service organise an extension for my assignment?
The Disability Support Service is not in a position to approve or seek extensions for assignments. You need to follow the process as outlined in the Extension of Time or Adverse Circumstances procedure.

You will need to attach either primary documentation from your doctor/specialist or a current letter from the Disability Support Service. It would also be extremely useful if you indicated on your form how long you think you will need to finalise your assessment task.

Does the Disability Support Service have a website?
The Disability Support Service has a comprehensive website (www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/) . We recommend that you refer to this site if you have any questions or you would like to find out more about the service.
How can the Disability Support Service assist me while I'm a student at University?

The Disability Support Service provides registered students with specific support and services that aim to reduce the disadvantage caused by the student?s disability. These include:

  • lecture support
  • assistance with exams and assessments
  • print disability support
  • assistance with mobility issues
  • library and computing support and training
  • advice and advocacy

Many students with a disability will not need to access these services if they have developed their own methods of support, or if their support needs are being met by faculty academic and general staff.

How do I organise disability assistance for a class test?
Discuss your exam needs with the Disability Advisor at the beginning of semester. The Disability Advisor will provide you with a letter outlining your support needs. You will need to take this letter to your lecturer or tutor at least two weeks prior to your class exam and discuss your support needs. If you or your lecturer require clarification on these issues, contact the Disability Advisor.
How do I register with the Disability Support Service?
To register with the Disability Support Service, you need to make an appointment with one of the Disability Advisors to discuss your needs. Prior to your appointment , you should think about what support you may need or what support you have received previously at other educational institutions. To successfully register with the Service, you will need to provide certain documentation and other information at your interview, including:
  • Correct supporting documentation from your doctor or specialist as detailed in the Disability Support Service Documentation Policy
  • Personal details, including current address (term and home), phone numbers, date of birth
  • Enrolment details, including program, courses, course coordinators, and days and times of lectures or tutorials if relevant
How much notice do I need to give if I need disability support?
You need to give Disability Support Service and Adaptive Technology Centre staff as much notice as is possible to implement your support needs. Two weeks notice is the recommended minimum time frame.
I am a student receiving support from the Disability Support Service. How will you contact me?
It is important to check your studentmail on a very regular basis. Not only is this one of the main ways that the University keeps in contact with you, it is also the way the Disability Support Service maintains contact with registered students.
I have to complete a professional placement for my course. Some aspects of the placement may be difficult for me to complete because of my disability. What should I do?
If you have a disability that may impact on your ability to undertake placements, please discuss your needs with your lecturer at the beginning of semester or as soon as you are notified of the details of the placement. If adjustments need to be made, discuss these with your lecturer and, if required, contact the Disability Support Service to discuss ideas and options.
I have to go on field trips as part of my course. My disability makes this quite difficult. What should I do?
If you have a disability that may impact on your ability to undertake field trips, please discuss your needs with your lecturer at the beginning of semester or as soon as you are notified of the details of the field trip. If adjustments need to be made, discuss these with your lecturer and, if required, contact the Disability Support Service to discuss ideas and options.
Is there support for students with a disability?

The University has a comprehensive support unit for students with a disability.

My disability makes it difficult for me to access or complete all the reading I have to do. Can I get any help with this?
Adaptive Technology Centre staff can assist students who have a registered print disability by offering training and assistance with adaptive technology and accessible format conversion. Students may be eligible for materials to be converted into a more useable format through the Accessible Format Translation Service, subject to having the appropriate documentation. The Adaptive Technology Centre can also provide advice and assistance to academic staff in ensuring course materials are accessible to all students.
My disability makes it difficult for me to move around campus. What can I do about this?
If you require mobility assistance, you should indicate this on your initial registration documentation for the Disability Support Service. Registered students with a mobility issue may use our campus mobility bus service. You will need to provide days, times and pick-up locations to staff at least one week prior to the date you need it.
My disability makes it difficult for me to use a computer. Can I get any support or advice to help me with this?
The Adaptive Technology Centre specialises in assisting students with a disability in the use of computer technology. The Centre provides students with a range of adaptive and mainstream computer technology to assist them with their studies. Training and support are provided by Centre staff on an ongoing basis.

To use the resources available through the Adaptive Technology Centre, you must be registered with the Disability Support Service and have documentation that supports the use of this facility. For more information, refer to the Adaptive Technology Centre website.

What are the opening hours for the Disability Support Service and the Adaptive Technology Centre?
Opening hours are as follows:
Student Support Services: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Appointments are required for disability service.

Adaptive Technology Centre: 8:30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday
Appointments are necessary for registration and specific support. Arrangements can be made through the ATC for access to the centre during library opening hours

What disability support is available in lectures?
Depending on identified needs and supporting documentation, registered students may be eligible for services including sign interpreters, note-taking, equipment loans and ergonomic furniture. Audio loops are available in several lecture theatres; contact Student Support Services for more information.. We suggest that you discuss and negotiate support options with your lecturer or tutor as well as talking to the Disability Support Service.
What information do I need to bring with me when I am applying for Alternative Examination Arrangements?

You will need to bring with you the following information:

  • name of your degree program
  • course codes
  • full name of each course
  • date and times of each exam
  • duration of each exam
  • type of exam (eg multiple choice, essay, short answer)
  • adjustments required (eg extra time, ergonomic furniture, large print)

If you cannot provide all the necessary information as outlined above, your AEA application may not be finalised.

What information do I need to bring with me when I am applying for Alternative Examination Arrangements?
You will need to bring with you the following information:
  • name of your degree program
  • course codes
  • full name of each course
  • date and times of each exam
  • duration of each exam
  • type of exam (eg multiple choice, essay, short answer)
  • adjustments required (eg extra time, ergonomic furniture, large print)

If you cannot provide all the necessary information as outlined above, your AEA application may not be finalised.

What is the best method of contacting the Disability Support Service?
Callaghan Campus
In person:
Ask staff at the Student Enquiry Counter in the Student Services Centre to make an appointment for you with the Disability Support Service.

By phone:
If contacting us by phone, you must leave a message with contact details on 02 4921 5766 or 02 4921 5866.

By email:
Contact us on student-disability@newcastle.edu.au

Ourimbah Campus
Visit the Student Support Unit to make an appointment with Disability Support staff.

Phone: 02 4348 4060
By email: student-disability@newcastle.edu.au

What is the best way for my lecturers to be informed about my support needs?
If you feel comfortable discussing your support needs with your lecturer directly, we recommend that you do this; your support needs can often be implemented without requiring the involvement of the Disability Support Service.

If you do not feel comfortable discussing your support needs with your lecturer, Disability Support staff can advocate on your behalf. This would usually be in the form of a support letter or email which only discloses the necessary information for your support to be implemented.

What support is available for academic and study skills development?
The Learning Support Program, run through the ELFS Centre, offers free workshops, tutorials, individual assistance and Blackboard courses for academic skills development. More information is available on the ELFS site.

For library and research skills, you can access an online InfoSkills tutorial.

For general computer skills, the University also offers self paced ITskills tutorials .

What support is available for physical assistance in the library?
Staff at all libraries can provide some assistance, such as building access, orientation, retrieval of physical items, photocopying, library and information training. For ongoing regular support, we recommend that students register with the Adaptive Technology Centre located in the Auchmuty Library for library and computer support, adaptive technology, equipment loans and ergonomic furniture.
When can I apply for Alternative Exam Arrangements?
Depending on the University timetable, you can usually apply for Alternative Exam Arrangements for approximately two to three weeks after the release of the exam timetable. Due to organisational and time constraints, no late applications are accepted, so it is important to check the specific dates on the Exam Timetable Information web page.

Why do I need to register with the Disability Support Service?
You will need to register if you require services or support offered centrally through the Disability Support Service. Your eligibility for such services will be assessed against your supporting documentation.
Why would I need to contact the Disability Support Service?

Contact the Disability Support Service if you have a disability or chronic illness that is likely to affect your academic performance or ability to move around campus.

Will I be able to get any assistance for my disability when I sit my exams and class tests?
If you have a disability that may affect your performance in an examination or class test, and your documentation supports this claim, you can apply for Alternative Exam Arrangements.

Alternative exam arrangements may include extra time to complete an exam, use of a scribe, use of a computer or other specialised equipment/furniture/software and accessible format exam papers. This is not a complete list of possible arrangements; when you apply for AEA, we will discuss your specific requirements and lodge an appropriate application with the Examinations Unit.

Alternative Exam Arrangement applications must be lodged in person by appointment with the Student Support Service Disability (49215866, 49215766) or the Adaptive Technology Centre (49217046).