Reduced Inequalities
Disability Support Services
In 2025, the University of Newcastle provided a dedicated and comprehensive support service for students with disability through the AccessAbility program. The University also provided tailored employment-related assistance for students and reasonable workplace adjustment support for staff, helping people with disability participate in study and work.
AccessAbility: personalised support for students
The AccessAbility service supports students with a wide range of disabilities, medical conditions, mental health conditions, or injuries — whether the condition is permanent, temporary, or fluctuating. Support is also available for students who are primary carers of individuals with disability or medical conditions.
Students can consult an AccessAbility adviser to discuss their needs, available support and the development of an individual Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP). The plan records agreed adjustments and helps academic staff implement arrangements that enable students to participate in learning and assessment. The University’s Supporting Students with Disability Policy in force during 2025 established the University’s commitment to reasonable adjustments, equitable participation and consultation with students. A revised policy came into effect in 2026.
Practical study, communication and mobility assistance
Based on students’ individual circumstances, AccessAbility support services include:
- Academic adjustments to assessments and examinations, including additional time, rest breaks and alternative arrangements where appropriate
- Referral to counselling, academic learning and other University support services when needed
- Assistive technology, note-taking tools and accessible learning materials, including alternative formats
- Coordination of Auslan interpreting, captioning or other communication assistance for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing
- Adaptive furniture and support with access to teaching and study spaces
- Mobility assistance and accessible campus transport for eligible registered students
Students can register with AccessAbility and discuss the supporting information needed for individual adjustments. Early contact allows more time to coordinate services, especially specialist assistance.
Documented support delivered during 2025
The University’s Student Wellbeing report for January–March 2025 records that Accessibility Services supported nearly 700 students during the first quarter, with approximately one-third accessing services online. This demonstrates the availability of individual support across both on-campus and remote modes of study during the reporting year.
The 2025 HEPPP Student Wellbeing initiatives also included a dedicated AccessAbility adviser providing transition support and early intervention for students with disability. The programme reported increased uptake of assistive technologies, alongside dedicated staff assistance with alternative examination arrangements and timely Reasonable Adjustment Plans.
The University’s 2025 AccessAbility Reasonable Adjustment Plan information sheet explained how students could use their plans to request academic adjustments, discuss changes with advisers and work with teaching staff throughout their studies.
Support with placements, employment and workplace participation
Beyond academic adjustments, the University’s Careers Service for students with disability offers individual advice on career planning, disability disclosure, workplace adjustments, placements and communication with prospective employers. Its January–March 2025 employability report records targeted assistance for students with disability through a specialist Employability Consultant.
The University also provides support for staff with disability. Staff may request reasonable adjustments to workplace tasks and environments, such as assistive technology, flexible work arrangements or physical modifications. Support is coordinated with supervisors and relevant University teams according to individual needs.
Through AccessAbility, practical adjustments and specialist study and employment support, the University of Newcastle helps remove barriers experienced by people with disability. Its documented 2025 services demonstrate a continuing commitment to accessible learning, participation and career development.
Who is eligible for disability support?
The definition of ‘disability’ under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 is broad and includes physical, intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, neurological and learning disabilities.
Students with a disability or medical condition, as well as full-time carers, can access support systems via AccessAbility.
Learn more about AccessAbility
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.