Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to access Disability Resources?
'Disability' has a much broader definition within the tertiary environment including chronic and long term medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, migraine, chronic fatigue, cancer, anxiety and panic attacks as well as the much more obvious disabilities as visual, hearing and mobility impairments. If you have a physical, sensory, psychiatric, learning, medical or intellectual impairment, that impacts on your ability to study,Disability Resources support and services are available to you.
Where is Disability Resources located on each campus?
Disability Resources is located within Student Services at each of the campuses.
Who should I contact at my campus?
Disability Resources will provide a formal notification memo that can provide assistance with self advocacy and advising faculties of your needs. Please contact Disability Resources at your campus.
Faculty Disability Contact Officers are also available within each faculty to advise on faculty specifc matters and provide advocacy on your behalf. It has been shown that having a single contact within your faculty can reduce some of the difficulties in doing your course and relieve frustrations that can develop.
What documentation do I need?
All documentation must be on letterhead, from a clearly identified, qualified and appropriate professional.This documentation should provide specific information relating to your disability and the nature of its impactupon your studies.
What are exam accommodations? What do I need to do?
A range of reasonable accommodations for exams will be recommended to minimise the impact of your disability upon your assessments. For students with
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information processing issues extra time may be afforded,
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food and drink may be permitted for those students with medical conditions etc,
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splitting of exam sessions will allow for students who are easily fatigued to participate without undue stress etc.
Further information is available about the examination adjustment process.
I have a hearing, vision, learning or mobility impairment and require in-class support. What options are available to me?
A range of inclass supports may be available to assist in minimising the impact of your disability. Supports include notetakers, readers, tutoring sessions, scribes, sign interpreters and participation assistants. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your inclass support.
What facilities are available to me?
Disability Resources has on-campus facilities and technical support resources available to registered students with disabilities, including:
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Assistive Technology Room
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Study Room (private area for use by students with disabilities and their nominated support worker).
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Technical Support Room ( not yet available at Springfield or Fraser Coast Campuses; students should see Counsellors if required).
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Accessible parking bays (please see Disabiltiy Resources staff if you require a temporary parking permit. Qld Transport parking permits are permitted to use these bays)
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Lockers
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On-campus nurse (not yet available at Springfield or Fraser Coast Campuses; student should see Counsellors if required)
How much notice do I have to give to receive alternative formatting in time for my classes?
Disability Resources offers alternative formatting of learning materials for students who have difficulty reading the printed word. We can assist with a range of options including printing of study materials on coloured paper, in an enlarged print/font, conversion of text to braille or music to braille and formatting for screen readers.
Students are encouraged to make an appointment with Disability Resources personnel at least four weeks before the beginning of the semester to arrange such support.
What are my responsibilities as a student of USQ?
Disability Resources strongly encourages students to take responsibility for manging their studies and learning and we promote the following:
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Identifying yourself to lecturers and tutors each semester through a pro-forma notification memo. This document will be issued by Disability Resources in the initial interview with Counsellor/Coordinator.
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Notifying Disability Resources if there are any chages in support requirements.
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Following up with examiners, lecturers or tutors regarding any adjustments or accommodations.
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Contacting Disability Resources immediately when problems arise and when you require support.
What does self advocacy mean?
Self-advocacy is about taking responsibiilty for your study needs and requirements by effectively talking to the appropriate USQ staff. This approach paves the way for greater self-confidence in managing your affairs. However, where it is not possible to employ self-advocacy or you are encountering problems, Disability Resources Personnel are available to assist you.
I wish to register a complaint - what do I do?
University of Southern Queensland has a set of grievance procedures in place should you be dissatisfied with the support or services you receive from Disability Resource or other university staff.
Please don't hesitate to contact Student Services should you require guidance in this process.
What equipment can I borrow?
The following equipment is available for loan to registered students with disabilities:
If you wish to borrow any of the above equipment, or require training in their use, please make an appointment with Disability Resources personnel to arrange this.
Are USQ campuses accessible to wheelchairs? Is there a map?
Yes, all campuses are accessible to wheelchairs. Accessibility maps are available for each campus. If you experience any problems in accessing any of the campuses please advise Disability Resources personnel so that we can assist in overcoming any difficulties you may experience.