Foreword

The University of Melbourne has a long-standing commitment to facilitating the participation of students with disabilities. A committee that identified and supported the needs of students with disabilities was first established in 1968. The University of Melbourne was the first organisation in Australia to lodge a Disability Action Plan under the Disability Discrimination Act with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 1994.

The Disability Action Plan lodged in 1994 has resulted in significant progress towards the University meeting the objectives of the Disability Discrimination Act, that is, eliminating discrimination on the basis of disability. It is timely, however, for the University to review its progress, identify barriers that remain and implement strategies that make the university an educational institution that is accessible to all students with the capacity to take advantage of a world-class education.

Important indicators of the University's success in supporting students with disabilities are the number of students with disabilities participating and succeeding in university courses. In 2003, 923 students indicated the presence of a disability at enrolment. The University endeavours to treat students with disabilities as students first and foremost, and accommodate any additional needs arising from a disability using generic means where possible. Over 90 staff of the University act as Faculty, Mental Health or Library Disability Contact Officers and assist students with disabilities on a daily basis to reach their academic potential. The success rates of students with disabilities have been increasing over the last few years indicating the effectiveness of the support provided.  The Disability Contact Officer initiative is indicative of the University's progressive policies towards the inclusion of students with disabilities. The University's Disability Liaison Unit continues to provide services of a high standard and makes a significant contribution to supporting the needs of students with disabilities and improving the University community's awareness of disability issues.

Although the preparation of an Action Plan is not mandatory under the Disability Discrimination Act, the University has prepared an updated Action Plan to ensure that it continues to meet its legislative, social and community obligations. As an organisation that aspires to be one of the finest universities in the world, the University of Melbourne holds a special responsibility for demonstrating leadership in facilitating the full participation of people with disabilities in university life.

Professor Kwong Lee Dow
Vice-Chancellor

top of page