DLU liaison with University staff

Liaison with academic and general staff is an integral function of the DLU.

The staff of the University cannot provide adjustments to a student with a disability if it has not been made aware of their circumstances. Most often, students disclose their disability and subsequent study related needs to the Disability Liaison Unit.

The DLU will generally not act on a student's behalf without their consent, however, most services cannot be offered without some level of disclosure and liaison. By applying for adjustments, a certain level of disclosure occurs and liaison between the DLU and faculties or service areas is initiated. For example, if a student requests Alternative Examination Arrangements, implicit in this procedure is that the DLU will be required to liaise with both the faculty and Student Administration.

Liaison with staff occurs both formally and informally, in a number of ways and for a number of reasons. Some methods of liaison are:

• Email contact
• Disability Impact Statement
• Staff meeting presentations
• Drop in/ phone contact

Email contact

DLU staff regularly use email as a communication tool with academic and general staff. DLU staff will often email lecturers, department administrators etc. directly with particular issues. Emails are usually prepared with the student present to ensure they are comfortable with the issues being disclosed and the outcomes being sought. As a general rule, DLU staff do not forward staff responses directly to a student, usually a précis is provided which outlines key facts. Email can also provide a 'paper trail' that records staff recommendations and actions, which can be useful when the University responds to grievances processes or complaints.

Disability Impact Statement

A standard component of accessing DLU services is for DLU staff to offer to complete a 'Disability Impact Statement' in conjunction with each student. Not all students choose to complete this task but DLU staff do encourage students to give consideration to issues such as disclosure, clearly identifying individual needs and opening discourse with academic staff.

The Disability Impact Statement provides staff with a brief overview of pertinent issues facing a student with a disability. It usually gives a 'name' to the condition experienced by the student, but at times students prefer to use a general term such as medical condition. (DLU staff always has documentation from a treating health professional on file which clearly outlines the nature of a person's disability).

The form provides the opportunity for staff to become familiar with how the disability impacts upon the person in their everyday studies, enabling the staff member to develop an appreciation of barriers to participation in their class and to be active in identifying strategies that promote participation.

The form provides information on recommended academic adjustments that staff may be able to implement. The DLU and student complete these forms at least annually, thereby meaning that the application of the form may need to cover up to 8 or more different subjects, sometimes across faculties. There may be times where recommended academic adjustments are inappropriate for a subject, should this be the case academic staff should consider ways in which students with disabilities can be enabled to participate with dignity and independence in their classes. If you have any questions or would like to discuss possible reasonable adjustments, you are encouraged to consult with the DLU.

Staff meeting presentations

DLU staff welcome invitations to attend staff meetings. This may take the form of a presentation to staff on DLU services, or on a particular topic that is pertinent to academic or professional staff. Sometimes DLU staff are invited to discuss a particular issue in an informal setting with several staff members to identify strategies that enhance the participation of students with disabilities. To arrange a meeting with DLU staff, Contact the DLU.

Drop In/ Phone Contact

University staff are welcome to phone or drop into the DLU to speak with staff on matters relating to the participation of students with disabilities, inclusive practices or any other disability related matter. Please be aware that DLU staff may be busy in student consultations and it is advisable to phone ahead to establish availability.

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