National Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative

• Introduction to the RDLO Initiative
  
• Hunter/Central Coast RDLO Activities
  
• How are RDLO's Funded?
  
• What do RDLO's Do?
  
• Where are RDLO's Located?
  
• RDLO Research Activities
  
• RDLO Produced Resources
  
• DEST RDLO Webpage

Introduction                                                                                        Top

The National Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative (NRDLOI) is a project of the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST), previously the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA). The 'RDLO' term is more commonly used when referring to the Initiative. There are presently ten RDLO's in place across Australia - three in Queensland, two in New South Wales (however, one is presently on leave), and one in each other State. In 2001 funding has been approved to continue the Initiative for a further three years.

The RDLO Initiative was established at the end of 1994 by the then Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET). The role of RDLO's was to coordinate disability services across the education (higher education and schools) and training (Technical and Further Education) sectors, and within specific geographic regions in Australia to develop and foster high quality services to students with a disability.

These pages provide information about the RDLO initiative, locations of RDLOs, the role, their research activities, and the resources developed through the Initiative.       

Hunter/Central Coast (H/CC) RDLO Activities                           Top

In 1999 the release of Tony Vinson's 'Unequal in Life' Report identified many Hunter Regional areas as the most socially disadvantaged in New South Wales and Victoria, and showed a concentration of disadvantage in Newcastle and the Central Coast. The University of Newcastle's student equity statistics consistently support these findings. In recognition of this, one of the more important activities of the H/CC RDLO has been to identify gaps in services to staff and students and to develop innovative strategies in response to Regional needs. This specifically relates to transition issues, where many students with a disability possess multiple equity characteristics, and are typically potential 'first generation' university or TAFE students. These factors also negatively impact on students' ability to successfully move into employment, another area of development.

With the Regional perspective in mind, activities include:

• Co-ordination and organisation of the cross-sectoral H/CC Disability Education Network (DEN), including satellite meetings in rural areas as required.
• Production and circulation of the DEN Newsletter.
  
• Establishment of the Disability Education Network website and 'den-list' listserver.
  
• The promotion and facilitation of cross-sectoral networking and liaison with disability support services in the school, TAFE and University sectors.
• Collation and distribution of disability-related material to education providers through existing structures such as the NSW Disability Listserver, National Clearinghouse on Education and Training for People with Disabilities (NCET) and its Listserver, RDLOz Listserver, and the H/CC Disability Education Network (DEN) Website and Listserver.
• Identification and rectification of gaps in service provision and resources across the sectors to facilitate the seamless transition of students moving from one sector to another (including 'taster' programs where relevant and regional forums in rural areas).
  
• Development of a centralised information base of services and resources for students and prospective students with a disability.
  
• The development of links between each of the sectors and community agencies which have roles in the support of people with a disability.
  
• Liaison with institutional student careers and employment services to develop appropriate services to support students with a disability in their search for employment. This includes working with employer groups such as Chambers of Commerce, Business Liaison Groups, to heighten awareness of the value of employing graduates with a disability.
  
• Proactive support for Disability Advisers and Support Officers across the sectors, through the conduct of specific research projects.
  
• Currently developing School Leaver Guide for Students with a Disability.
  
• Have established the Australian National Disability Liaison Officer Contact website.
  
• Various Disability Training packages have been developed.
  
• Regularly speak with student and parent groups regarding transition into tertiary education.
  
• Member of University of Newcastle Disability Committee, and Working Parties as appropriate.
  
• Member of various Working Parties at the NSW & ACT Universities Admissions Centre.
  
• Member of regional networks where relevant.
  
• Member of project team developing the resource 'Bridging the Gap: A resource for students with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome'.
  
• Currently assessing and evaluating assistive technology for use by students, which has included visits to schools in the private sector who have successfully established assistive technology services.

There are many other services under development which will be included here when finalised, but a few under consideration include:

• The development of a 'taster' program which will involve overnight visits by students from rural areas to the University of Newcastle Callaghan or Central Coast Campuses.
• Industry forums aimed at raising awareness in employers of the benefits of employing a person with a disability, and the issues surrounding this.

What do Regional Disability Liaison Officers do?                   Top

RDLO's play a valuable role in helping to increase access and participation rates of students with a disability to study at university or at TAFE. They perform a range of functions which are focused on the provision of practical assistance and support to students with a disability to make the transition from school to university or from school to TAFE including:

Where are Regional Disability Liaison Officers located and how can they be contacted?                                                             Top

RDLO's are based at their host university who receive funds to support the position from the Higher Education Division of the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST), previously the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA).

RDLO's can be contacted at the following locations ..........

NSW  |  NT  |  QLD  |  TAS  |  VIC  |  WA  |  SA

• NSW Employment Research Study for Students and Graduates with Disabilities (Education to Employment)
• Education to Employment Paper
• Opening All Options State Survey for Disability Liaison Officers
• Research Paper 'Bridging the Gap: Understanding the Issues and Needs of Students and Staff with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
• Research of Voice Recognition Software in the tertiary education environment for students and staff with disabilities 
• Survey of the level of support for practitioners/students with a disability across the Higher Education sector in Australia
• Demographic survey of students with a disability in post-secondary education (WA)
• Technology Research Projects
• Policy Development
• Infrastructure Requirements 
• Availability of Support Services for Students with a Disability
• Identification of Networks 
• Information Requirements
• Prospective Students

8. Technology Research Projects                                                  Index | Top

• Quicktionary Reading Pen
  
• The New Accessible PDF free reader. Reports can be viewed on the website: http://www.anu.edu.au/disabilities/atproject/index.html
  

9. Policy Development                                                                   Index | Top

Example: Northern Territory University Policy for Students with Disabilities and development of implementation manual.

10. Infrastructure Requirements                                                     Index | Top

Research and development of document paper on Northern Territory University infrastructure requirements in providing post secondary education to students with disabilities.

11. Availability of Support Services for Students with a Disability
                                                                                                       Index | Top
Research undertaken to determine levels of support available for students with disabilities undertaking training within TAFE Tasmania. Outcomes documented in a Discussion Paper presented to TAFE Management.

12. Identification of Networks                                                          Index | Top                    
Survey of services, agencies and personnel available to assist people with disabilities in accessing tertiary education options. Results of projects conducted in Tasmania and Central Queensland collated on data bases.

13. Information Requirements                                                       Index | Top

Tasmanian study to determine the information needs of prospective students with disabilities, institutions and service providers in Tasmania. GATEWAYS Website developed as a result of this survey.
http://www.tased.edu.au/tasonline/gateways/index.htm

14. Prospective Students                                                                 Index | Top

Northern Queensland research project to determine the needs of people with disabilities seeking entry into the tertiary sector. In addition, RDLO's have collaborated on and, in several instances, managed a range of Research-based initiatives including:

RDLO Produced Resources                                                          Top

The National RDLO Initiative has produced a number of significant resources, specifically for students with a disability, education providers ie universities, TAFE institutes, school education, community sectors and government departments. A list of resources has been identified in this section together with a brief overview.

Resource Packages/Books

• Education to Employment Package
• Opening All Options, A Resource to Assist Students with a Learning Disability in Tertiary Education
• Inclusive Practice is Good Practice
• Bridging The Gap: An Education Resource about ME/CFS for Academics, Disability Advisers and Students with Disabilities (Available in 2001)
• Making It Happen
• DATADLO - Free Database
• RDLO Information Sheets
• Disability Information and Resources for the Education Community Tertiary (DIRECT)
• Accessible Laboratory Design
• Work in Progress - 'Universal Design in Teaching and Learning Package' Website, Staff Development Workshop Package, 'Designing Accessible Lecture Theatres and Seminar Rooms' - contact Jaye Johnson, State Disability Liaison Officer for Western Australia jayej@chmail.ch.ecu.edu.au
  

Websites

• Disability Education Network (DEN) - Hunter/Central Coast Region, NSW
• Gateways…..... to post secondary education, training & employment in Tasmania
• Hunter Web: Hunter and Central Coast Disability Information - under review
• RDLU Website

Brochures

Staff Training Packages

Newsletters

Mail-Lists

Resource Packages and Books          Back to Resource Index | Top

1. Education to Employment Package

The Education to Employment Project was a NSW specific initiative, focussing on the transitional process from education to employment for Graduates with disabilities.

Aim: To develop a resource that would address the employment issues of graduates with disabilities, as identified in the Education to Employment research study.

Funding: NSW Co-Operative Project, 1996 (DETYA Grant)

Outcome: The Package was distributed to careers and disability services within NSW and ACT universities, TAFE Institutes, school districts, community organisations, employment services and government sectors. The Resource was produced in hard copy, disk, website and Braille formats. An information booklet was also produced for careers and disability services within universities outlining suggested procedural systems to enhance the delivery of career services for students with a disability.

Status: The Education to Employment Website was updated in 1997 and 1998 by the NSW RDLO's and is now permanently reviewed and updated by the NSW State Library. This initiative will ensure the needs of students and graduates with disabilities seeking employment will be met on a continual basis.

Website: http://www.slnsw.gov.au/access/employ/welcome.htm

2. Opening All Options, A Resource to Assist Students with a Learning Disability in Tertiary Education                         Back to Resource Index | Top

Opening All Options was a New South Wales specific initiative, which was developed to provide a comprehensive, accessible resource on Learning Disabilities for post secondary education providers. The Resource is unique in its ability to centralise national and international literature, information, policies, directories and research specific to the needs of tertiary education providers.

Aim: Increase the understanding and awareness of the issues associated with learning Disabilities, particularly the differences in philosophy, practices and terminology favoured by the various education sectors. The Resource would facilitate cross-sectoral practices between education sectors and ultimately, enhance transition processes for students with disabilities.

Funding: NSW Co-Operative Project, 1998 (DETYA Grant) University of Western Sydney Outcome: Opening All Options was distributed to Australian universities, NSW TAFE and school sectors, community groups and government services. The Resource has generated a high level of interest across education and community sectors.

Status: The Opening All Options Resource is now the foundation for a national Learning Disability Resource, supported by the Australian Learning Disability Association (ALDA). The website is maintained and updated on an annual basis by The Australian Learning Disability Association (ALDA) site, hosted by the University of Tasmania, in partnership with the NSW University Disability Access Network (UDAN). This initiative will ensure the needs of students and graduates with Learning Disabilities in education will be met on a continual basis.

Website: http://student.admin.utas.edu.au/services/alda/opening_all_options/index.html

3. Inclusive Practice is Good Practice                  Back to Resource Index | Top

This resource encourages examination of work practices and challenges organisations and individuals to work in a more inclusive way. Specifically the package focuses on:

• A general overview of inclusive practices; and
• A summary of the current legislative requirements and the rights and responsibilities of staff and students.
• Fact Sheets which provide detailed information, guidelines, examples of good inclusive practice, case studies and practical strategies relating to physical access, access to information/study materials, assistive technology, curriculum adjustment and inclusive assessment.

Aim: Inclusive Practice Is Good Practice aims to promote understanding of the needs of students with disabilities. The focus is primarily on students with disabilities, but aims to promote the theme that the development of more inclusive policies and practices will benefit all students. The kit was produced to assist staff across the post secondary education and training sector including Registered Training Organisations.

Funding: The Tasmanian Office of Vocational Education and Training University of Tasmania Co-operative Projects funding (DETYA Grant)

Outcome: Inclusive Practice is Good Practice was distributed throughout the secondary and post secondary education and training sector in Tasmania. The website containing a fully downloadable version has been promoted throughout the country. 2000 copies of the summary booklet have been provided to individual staff. The resource was formally launched and has received positive publicity from both general and institution media. Feedback from both staff and students has been extremely positive.

Status: Inclusive Practice is Good Practice is being utilized as the core resource for staff development throughout the Tasmanian sector. The web version is hosted on the GATEWAYS website. Negotiations are underway to provide a mechanism for the updating of this resource which at present is the responsibility of the RDLO.

Website: http://www.tased.edu.au/tasonline/gateways/pubs/ipigp.htm

4. Inclusive Practice is Good Practice - Poster      Back to Resource Index | Top

An A3 colour poster highlighting examples of inclusive practice relating to physical access, technology, access to information, curriculum and assessment. Details of personnel who can be contacted for assistance is also presented.

Aim: The poster is a disability awareness tool aimed at staff and students and a promotional medium for the Inclusive Practice is Good Practice resource.

Funding: This poster was financially sponsored by TTEDAC Inc. The Tasmanian Tertiary Education Disability Advisory Committee.

Outcome: 300 copies of the poster have been distributed throughout secondary and post-secondary education and training institutions in Tasmania. They have been well received and currently appear in prominent places within the institutions.

5. Bridging The Gap: An Education Resource about ME/CFS for Academics, Disability Advisers and Students with Disabilities (Available in 2001)
                                                                          Back to Resource Index | Top

The Bridging the Gap Resource is a national resource that will be made available for all universities in Australia, students with disabilities and service providers. The resource is currently in draft format and will be made available once a Reference Committee (made up of professionals and students) has agreed to the content material.

Aim: To specifically research the experiences of students with ME/CFS in tertiary education. The research outcomes have formed the basis for the development of an education resource for Academics and Support Staff as well as students and staff with ME/CFS. The Resource addresses areas identified in the research in addition to addressing the needs of Disability Advisers within tertiary education.

Funding: NSW Co-Operative Project (DETYA Grant). The survey distribution, collation and report was funded by the NSW ME/CFS Society.

Status: The Resource will be made available in hard copy, disk and website. The NSW ME/CFS Society will maintain and review the Website on an annual basis to ensure the needs of students and graduates with ME/CFS in education will be met on a continual basis.

Website: To be advised

6. Making It Happen                                            Back to Resource Index | Top

Making It Happen is a resource book and planner for students who have a disability and who are considering post-school options. It provides an outline of options available to school-leavers in terms of career advice, disability services, educational and employment options, and financial and educational resources and supports. Making It Happen includes reference to TAFE and university services as well as relevant government programs and includes a comprehensive glossary to aid students understanding.

Aim: Produced by the Victorian Regional Disability Liaison Unit in response to queries from students and practitioners, Making It Happen aims to assist students in years 10, 11 and 12 to plan for their transition into the post-school world.

Funding: Victorian Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative. Outcome: Copies of this publication were made available to schools and relevant referral agencies. The project received cross sector support from Government agencies, Universities and TAFE Colleges. It has been well received and utilized in states outside of Victoria.

Status: Making It Happen remains on the former RDLU website and can be downloaded in PDF. At this time, Tasmania are in the process of producing a version of this resource with state specific information.

Website: http://www.deakin.edu.au/extern/rdlu/MIH.pdf

7. DATADLO - Free Database                              Back to Resource Index | Top

The DATADLO was developed by the Victorian RDLO's as a free database program for Disability Liaison officers (DLO's) in Australian universities. The Program is available in Macintosh and PC versions.

Aim: To provide a practical, efficient database for university DLO's to centralise student records to produce statistical data, disability profiles, and consistent approaches to disability service. A uniformed database would also produce consistent data at a regional, state and national level.

Funding: Victorian Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative and Victorian Co-operative Projects for Higher Education Students with a Disability

Outcome: The RDLU provided group training sessions for Disability Liaison Officers and associated staff and, where required, individual sessions. This database has been adopted and utilised by many institutions. Support and upgrading of this software has unfortunately not been possible since the RDLO Unit was disbanded due to lack of funding.

Status: The Database continues to be free and available on the website

Website: http://www.deakin.edu.au/extern/rdlu/database.html

8. RDLO Information Sheets                               Back to Resource Index | Top

The Victorian RDLO Unit developed a number of Information Sheets for prospective students and students with disabilities at university. The information series is relevant to all students with disabilities across Australia.

Aim: To provide individual information sheets to assist prospective students with disabilities to consider university as an option. For students with disabilities to have an understanding of the services and support networks available at university and suggested copying strategies specific to their disability.

Funding: Victorian Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative, Victorian Co-operative Projects for Higher Education Students with a Disability

Outcome: Preparation and dissemination of a wide range of useful Information Sheets entitled: Applying to university (school leavers), Applying to university (non school leavers and mature age applicants), Fees and finances, Legal rights and self advocacy, Making the most of orientation, Hearing impairment and university, Vision impairment and university, Mobility impairment and university, Psychiatric disability and university, Chronic illness and university, Learning disability and university, Residential accommodation, Open Learning, Graduates with a disability, Student organisations, Adjustments and accommodations, Alternative arrangements for assessment, International students with a disability, Information on physical access, Information for careers counsellors, Information for selection officers, and Contacts.

Status: The Information Series is available on the web at the RDLU Website.

Website: http://www.deakin.edu.au/extern/rdlu/infosheets.html

9. Disability Information and Resources for the Education Community Tertiary (DIRECT)                                               Back to Resource Index | Top

Aim: To create a searchable, editable on-line database of resources and individuals which relates to the needs of students with a disability in the tertiary education sector.

Funding: Victorian Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative, Victorian Co-operative Projects for Higher Education Students with a Disability

Outcome: Following the RDLU's establishment of the site and the co-rdination, editting and preparation of the original materials - the closure of the RDLU led to responsibility for the site being trsnsferred to Deakin University's School of Studies in Disability.

Status: No longer in operation. The NCET Clearingouse project and it's website is now the best location to obtain this type of information

Website: No longer in operation. Instead see the NCET Clearinghouse at http://www.tedca.org/NCET

10. Accessible Laboratory Design                       Back to Resource Index | Top

A book for those involved in laboratory design or modification that brings together various standards and ideas, including a design for a laboratory and specific work areas. This is the first international publication which specifically addresses the needs of students and staff with disabilities in scientific laboratories. Arrangements are in progress to make the publication available on the Web. Contact the Western Australian RDLO for additional information.

Websites                                                                    Back to Websites | Top

1. Disability Education Network (DEN) - Hunter/Central Coast Region, NSW

The DEN website is an initiative of the Hunter/Central Coast RDLO, and has been established to promote the exchange of information between workers in a diverse region. You are currently accessing this site.

2. Gateways…..... to post secondary education, Training & employment in Tasmania                                                                     Back to Websites | Top

The Gateways website is central base of information and resources for students with disabilities in post secondary education, training and employment environments in Tasmania. The information presented is relevant to the needs of all students with disabilities in Australia due to its ability to centralise information at regional, state, national and international levels.

Aim: To increase the participation rates of students with disabilities through the provision of electronically accessible information about post secondary education and training options, support services and available resources.

Funding: Funded by the RDLO Inititative. This website was developed and produced by the Tasmanian State Disability Liaison Officer. The site is freely hosted by TasOnline.

Outcome: This site has been extremely successful maintaining a visitation rate of between 2000 and 3500 hits per month. Since January 1998 the site has received 60588 visitors.

Status: The Gateways Website continues to be maintained by the Tasmanian State Disability Liaison Officer. This has ensured that the website material is up to date, and relevant to the needs of students with disabilities in post secondary education and training.

Website: http://www.tased.edu.au/tasonline/gateways/gateways.htm

3. Hunter Web: Hunter and Central Coast Disability Information
                                                                                     Back to Websites | Top

The HunterWeb Website is a central base of services, information and resources for students with disabilities in post secondary education environments in the Hunter and Central Coast regions of New South Wales.

Aim: To provide a comprehensive listing of services, information and resources for students with disabilities in the Hunter and Central Coast region. The information presented is also to encourage cross-sectoral developments across education, community and government networks.

Funding: RDLO initiative Status: It is envisaged that the HunterWeb will be updated and maintained by the recently re-funded RDLO position, hosted by Newcastle University.

Website: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/services/disability/regional/direct/index.htm

4. RDLU Website