Accessible Facilities

The University is committed to creating an inclusive and barrier-free campus environment. In 2025, accessible learning spaces, campus mobility assistance and specialist equipment helped students, staff and visitors with disability participate in University life.

Accessible learning spaces and campus facilities

Across established University campuses, accessible buildings and learning spaces include step-free routes and lifts in key facilities, designated parking, and classrooms able to accommodate accessibility adjustments. The Auchmuty Library at Callaghan provides lift access to all levels, accessible group-study rooms, computers, desks, toilets and student kitchens. Its Auchmuty Information Common is wheelchair accessible during after-hours use; assistance is available for access to other areas when needed.

The University also has accessible study areas and lift access at NUSpace in Newcastle City. At Gosford Hospital, accessible toilets are provided on its teaching and research floors, supporting students, staff and visitors using the Central Coast campus.

Accessible parking and mobility assistance

Designated accessible parking close to major facilities is available at University campuses.

Holders of a valid NSW or interstate mobility parking permit can use designated accessible, staff or general parking bays free of charge at Callaghan and Ourimbah, subject to University parking rules. The University identifies accessible bays on its parking and campus mapping information.

Students whose disability makes travel around campus difficult can arrange the Callaghan accessibility bus through AccessAbility; this service also supports travel between Callaghan and the Newcastle City precinct. Accessible mobility assistance is arranged according to individual requirements and booking arrangements.

Adaptive technology and sensory-friendly spaces

Through its AccessAbility support services, the University provides access to an Adaptive Technology Centre, assistive software and equipment, and reasonable adjustments to learning environments. Facilities and supports include adjustable furniture, specialist computer equipment and access to course materials in alternative formats. Students can discuss suitable arrangements with an AccessAbility adviser.

The Auchmuty Library also offers low-sensory study areas and adjustable lighting. These facilities complement accessible teaching rooms and help students with different mobility, sensory and learning requirements use campus spaces. Accessible library services provide further information about available spaces and access arrangements.

Improving accessibility during 2025

The University’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2024–2025 identified accessible campuses and facilities as a priority, including consultation with students and staff with disability on building design, and assessment of existing building access. The 2025 Annual Report confirms ongoing disability inclusion work during the year, including consultation on accessibility in new buildings and the provision of sensory spaces. These were elements of continuing improvement rather than a claim that every building was fully accessible.

At the start of the 2025 academic year, the University provided a dedicated sensory room, quiet periods at on-campus Welcome Week expos and captioned presentations, creating more accessible opportunities for students to participate in orientation. These measures were described in its February 2025 Welcome Week announcement.

The University also reported that its Accessibility Services supported nearly 700 students in January–March 2025, connecting students with adjustments and services that facilitate participation in campus learning environments.

By providing accessible campus facilities, mobility assistance and specialised learning spaces, the University of Newcastle supports participation by people with disability. Its 2025 disability inclusion activities also strengthened attention to accessible environments as campuses and services continue to develop.

We provide assistance when negotiating adjustments for lectures, tutorials, exams and assessments.

Talk to your lecturer first and, if needed, we can help you negotiate flexible due dates and alternative assessment arrangements.

Interpreters can be arranged in lectures and tutorials, as well as in some assessment contexts.

Whether it’s for a formal examination, in-class test or online exam, you may be eligible for extra time, ergonomic furniture, accessible format exam papers, or other support.

We can help you access lectures through:

• FM and infrared audio systems
• ergonomic furniture
• lecture recordings
• venue changes to more accessible rooms

Adaptive technology

This includes providing larger computer screens, screen enlargement software or an accessible desk in a computer lab. We can also provide one-on-one training on how to use an adaptive software program or a trackball pointing device.

We can help you access learning materials easier by providing:

• adaptive technology information and advice
• screen-enlargement software
• screen-reading software
• text to speech software
• TTY phones
• training to use adaptive software
• voice-activated software

Talk to your lecturer, your AccessAbility Advisor or contact the Adaptive Technology Centre about how the technology in your lecture or seminar venue might meet your needs.

Equipment and materials

The Adaptive Technology Centre loans out digital audio recorders, hearing augmentation devices, trackballs and other devices. Loans are managed through the library system.

We have a range of ergonomic furniture and aids available for loan including:

• back supports
• book holders
• ergonomic chairs
• height-adjustable desks for sitting or standing
• lecterns
• mattresses for resting and stretching whilst studying
• monitor arms
• reading stands

The Adaptive Technology Centre can convert material into accessible formats for students who have a documented print disability. This could include a hard copy course reader, a required textbook or a PDF document from an online database. A range of accessible formats can be provided depending on your level of print disability, the type of reading material being converted and your computer competency.

We may be able to assist you with physical access to our libraries and with obtaining materials.

Mobility and parking

Mobility assistance may be available if your disability makes it difficult to move around campus. Once you are registered with AccessAbility and have received your timetable, contact us to arrange regular on-campus mobility assistance.

Please note we need at least one week’s notice to arrange mobility supports.

RMS Mobility Permit holders are eligible for free parking in disabled, staff and general car parking spaces at our campuses.
For more details and to apply visit The NSW Government Website: Disability Parking Permits

If you need closer parking because of a temporary medical condition you can apply for a University temporary mobility parking permit. To apply visit AccessAbility, located in the Student Services Centre, SC212. Your application must be supported by a current Doctor's certificate. Please note this can only be issued for a period of 6 weeks.