Access to Services

To apply for DLU services you need to:

• Make an appointment
• Provide medical documentation
• Discuss your needs
• Discuss reasonable adjustments

Making an Appointment

Contact the DLU and make an appointment with a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO). If you are likely to require support workers (e.g. notetaker, sign language interpreter) it is best to make an appointment several weeks prior to semester commencing to maximise your chances of support workers being available for your first class.

Providing Medical Documentation

In order to develop an understanding of your individual needs the DLU requires detailed medical documentation from an appropriate treating professional.

Documentation should:

• be provided by a relevant health professional or educational psychologist,
• be on letterhead,
• be dated i.e. in the last fortnight if temporary condition, in the last six months for fluctuating condition, and in the last three years for learning disability. A recent date is not required for a permanent disability
• be preferably typed or have legible handwriting,
• be in English (if original documentation is not in English, original documents should be translated by an independent and accredited translator),
• include information on the specific impairment, mental health or medical condition,
• indicate whether or not the disability is permanent, temporary, or fluctuating,
• clearly outline the functional implications/impact upon you.

It can also be useful for your treating professional to highlight strategies that will assist you.

Depending on the nature of your condition, documentation may need to be updated prior to changes or continuation of support services.

Discuss your needs

In order to identify appropriate services, DLU staff will need to develop a more complete picture of you than that provided solely from medical documentation. Topics such as previous work/life/study experience, academic program and assessment methods and generic University services are all discussed. Issues related to confidentiality and disclosure are also covered.

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Discuss Reasonable Adjustments

The goal of most consultations between DLU staff and students with disabilities is to identify agreed adjustments that minimise the impact of a disability whilst maximising opportunities for independent participation. At the end of a consultation with your DLO, strategies will be identified for implementation.

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