ACU has a dedicated team whose primary focus is to establish support for students with a temporary or ongoing medical/mental health condition, disability or significant carer responsibilities.
The Access and Disability Service works with the student to establish reasonable adjustments (such as extensions and exam adjustments), explore learning support services, and assist with physical access arrangements.
Here, when you need us
Students will have the opportunity to disclose whether they have a medical/mental health condition, disability or significant carer responsibilities on their enrolment form. This disclosure is not a registration with the Access and Disability Service. If a student discloses on enrolment, an introductory email from the Access and Disability Service will be sent inviting them to register for support.
Once enrolment has been completed, students can register with our service. Whilst it is recommended that they do so as soon as practical to ensure timely access to adjustments, students can register at any stage during their studies.
What legislation informs the practice of the Access and Disability Service?
The following legislation informs the practice of the Disability Service:
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992
- Disability Standards for Education 2005
- Carer Recognition Act 2010
The definition of 'disability' provided within the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 is broad. Disability can be permanent, intermittent, temporary, visible and/or invisible in nature.
Disability can include, but is not limited to:
- Medical conditions
- Mental health conditions
- Learning disorder
- Neurodiversity
- Physical disability
- Vision and hearing conditions
- Temporary injury and/or condition
Students with significant caring responsibilities can access our services. According to the Carer Recognition Act 2010, a carer is someone who provides significant care for an individual who has an ongoing health condition, disability or is elderly.
The Access and Disability Service require appropriate supporting documentation, with evidence of a diagnosis (or under investigation for a diagnosis) and its impact on your studies to develop an Education Inclusion Plan (EIP). This is done to ensure we take into consideration the most accurate information about your condition(s), aiding us to establish reasonable adjustments with you.
If you are unsure of whether your individual circumstances meet the above definition, please book an appointment with an Access and Disability Advisor to discuss further.
How does ACU communicate reasonable adjustments?
ACU provides adjustments through a document known as the Education Inclusion Plan (EIP). The EIP is collaboratively developed with the student to optimise their participation during their time with ACU and to communicate their learning needs with relevant staff.
All students will be required to provide their preferences regarding confidentiality. In most circumstances, the EIP will not disclose a student's condition. The document's focus is to outline the reasonable adjustments that will enable students to participate in the learning environment on the same basis as other students.
How do I register?
To register with the Access and Disability Service, students need to have completed all aspects of their enrolment and provide evidence from an appropriately qualified health practitioner confirming the diagnosis and impacts of the mental health/health condition(s), disability, neurodiversity and/or significant carer responsibilities. Your supporting evidence should meet our documentation guidelines.
To assist in seeking medical evidence:
- The Supporting Documentation Form (60KB) can be completed for a health condition/disability relating to the student (Note: Learning disabilities require an appropriate learning assessment)
- The Carer Supporting Documentation Form (128KB) can be completed by the health practitioner treating the person receiving care.
For more information on registration and for resources regarding disability support, please visit our Access and Disability Service student portal page.
Course inherent requirements
ACU endeavours to identify Inherent Requirements for all ACU courses to assist individuals to make informed choices. Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit. Students with a health condition/disability may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
Getting to, from and around campus
Campus maps provide transport options for getting to and from campus, including the shuttle service at Brisbane and Strathfield campuses.
Within these maps, students will also find information on accessibility relevant to each campus.
Disability parking is available for those who hold a valid permit. Facilities manage parking in accordance with the Car Parking Policy. Please contact fm.mel@acu.edu.au to request accessible parking and for further information.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
At ACU, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment for all students. As part of our commitment, we are proud participants in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. This initiative is designed to assist individuals with hidden disabilities by making their needs visible in a discreet and supportive way. By wearing a Sunflower lanyard, individuals can discreetly indicate that they live with a hidden disability.
On each of our campuses, we have dedicated staff members known as Sunflower Champions. These Champions are here to provide extra support and assistance to students wearing the Sunflower lanyard. You can easily identify a Sunflower Champion by their distinctive white and green Sunflower Champion lanyards. Whether you need guidance, support, or simply someone to talk to, our Sunflower Champions are trained and ready to assist.
If you have any questions about the program or how to obtain a Sunflower lanyard, please don't hesitate to contact our Access and Disability Service. For more detailed facts and insights about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, visit the official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower home page.
Together, we can make ACU a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
Information for parents/significant others
We understand that this may be an individual's first opportunity to engage in an adult learning environment, and parents may wish to understand university systems or options for support. Whilst we cannot provide specific information relating to a student, we can assist parents in understanding available options.
With the student's consent, significant others can attend appointments with the student.
Contact us
For further information, please email the local access and disability advisor:
- Ballarat on the Wadawurrung lands
- Blacktown on the Darug lands
- Brisbane on the Turrabul and Jaggera lands
- Canberra on the Ngunnawal lands
- Melbourne on the Wurundjeri lands
- North Sydney on the Cammeraygal lands
- Strathfield on the Wangal lands
- Online: the closest convenient campus or AccessAndDisability.Online@acu.edu.au
Please note that services may be part-time on some campuses.
Services available at ACU
Whether transitioning to university, seeking support throughout the study journey or coming to the end of a course, ACU has a range of services to meet students' needs.
AskACU can be the first point of contact for any questions or concerns an individual may have regarding study.
For information relating to study and Covid-19, please refer to ACUs Student FAQs.