AccessAbility Support Services
Students registered with AccessAbility can access a variety of support services designed to assist students with disabilities throughout their university experience. Explore the services below to find the support that’s right for you.
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Support Services
Find practical supports to make your study environment accessible. From assistive technology to mobility, furniture, and hearing support, use the tabs below to learn about on-campus supports that make classrooms, resources and communication more accessible.
The Adaptive Technology Centre provides a quiet, supportive study space where you can focus comfortably when you need it.
It offers:
- Dimmable lighting
- Furniture
- Dual-screen monitors
- Fidget tools
Contact us to book a chat and find out which technology best supports you.
You can request licences for specialised software such as speech-to-text software and note-taking tools.
You can also ask for course materials in alternative formats, such as large print or accessible PDFs.
To learn more about the space features and locations across Callaghan, Newcastle City, and Ourimbah, visit our Adaptive Technology page.
AccessAbility offers several services to help you get around campus.
A bus service is available at the Callaghan campus for students getting to class, the library, study spaces or other campus locations. Once you are registered with AccessAbility, you can book the mobility bus with this online form or download this form.
If you have a valid NSW Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit, you can park for free in accessible, staff, and general parking spots across all campuses. Visit the Service NSW page to apply.
To locate accessible parking on campus, you can search "disabled parking" on the Campus Map.
For temporary conditions, you can contact AccessAbility to apply for a temporary accessible parking permit at the Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses.
We offer free mobility scooter hire to registered students.
To get started with any of these services, you must first be a student registered with AccessAbility. If you haven't registered yet, you can Register with AccessAbility.
To learn more about how to access these services, contact AccessAbility directly.
Ergonomic furniture such as sit-to-stand desks and ergonomic chairs, can be placed in classrooms.
Once registered with AccessAbility, complete the AccessAbility Support and Enquiry Form or chat with your Advisor to arrange furniture needs.
Deaf or hard of hearing students can access tailored supports to help them access course content, communicate effectively, and stay connected throughout their studies. This can include:
- Auslan interpreter coordination
- Captioning services
- Transcription of audio-visual content
- Equipment loans, including amplified stethoscopes and hearing augmentation devices
- Note-taking support, including note-taking software
Speak with your AccessAbility Advisor to find out which supports are right for you, or contact AccessAbility@newcastle.edu.au.
Support Programs for Neurodivergent Students
Neurodivergent Student Orientation Program
A two-day event designed to provide neurodivergent students with the tools and resources they need to successfully navigate the transition to university life.
Express your interest via email AccessAbility@newcastle.edu.au. A registration form will be available closer to the event on the Welcome Week events page.
Specialist Peer Mentor Program (SPMP)
Weekly one-on-one mentoring for Autistic students, delivered by experienced University of Newcastle student mentors.
The program is available online and on campus for new and continuing students registered with AccessAbility.
Complete the online form to register and to be matched with a mentor.
Neurodivergent Study Club
Weekly drop-in study sessions (3 hours) offering structured study time and peer connection. No dignosis is required and sessions are run in a distraction free environment using strategies like body doubling and the Pomodoro technique to support focus.
Join us for Semester 1, 2026. Locations:
Callaghan – Tuesdays 1.30-4.30 pm Auchmuty Library Room L326
Gosford – Thursdays 1-4 pm Gosford Central (Mann St) Room GOA203
Online – Tuesdays 9 am-12 pm, Zoom link
Neurodivergent Peer2Peer Program
A supportive community where you can connect with fellow students and learn valuable skills and strategies to help stay on track with your studies. You don't need a diagnosis to register to this program.
Complete the online form to register for the Neurodivergent Peer2Peer Program.
Career Support
The Careers Service offers tailored support to help students with a disability prepare for employment and career-ready placements. Support may include:
- Individual consultation with a specialist Employability Consultant
- Advice on if, when, and how to disclose your disability
- Help contacting potential employers
Access to disability-specific job boards, internships and mentoring programs
- Support to participate in careers fairs and networking events.
- Information and resources on workplace adjustments
Visit this page to learn more about Careers Support for Students with Disability or ask a question via AskUON.
Helpful Information
Students who are studying part-time due to the impact of their health condition may still be eligible for a Opal Concession Card.
Find out how to apply here.
The University is committed to student safety, including those needing extra support during emergencies. If you have mobility, sensory, or other needs that may affect evacuation, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) can help.
Start by completing the quick, confidential PEEP Self-Assessment Tool to identify your needs and access tailored support. For more info, contact: emergency-management@newcastle.edu.au
For information on bringing animals on campus, please read Section 9 of the University Campus Access Policy and the following resource KRA 2.10 Animals on Campus.
Head to our Scholarships page to explore scholarships you may be eligible for.
Tip: To find scholarships for students with a disability, tick "Disability" under the "Scholarships for" filter.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.