Disability Liaison Officer
The Disability Liaison Officer (DLO)
can provide advice on how particular disabilities affect
university study and information on resources available
at the University for assisting students with disability.
Students who need assistance during their studies should
contact Hazel England or Petria
McGoldrick the Disability Liaison Officers
by phone (02) 4221 4942. (1300
303 455 will reach this number for the cost
of a local call); or facsimile (02) 4221 5667.
A DLO will visit the Campus when necessary.
Studying at the University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong has set clear goals for
the education of students across all faculties. These
are outlined in the Graduate Attributes
for students completing a degree at the University:
- A commitment to continued and independent learning,
intellectual development, critical analysis and creativity.
- Coherent and extensive knowledge in a discipline,
appropriate ethical standards and where appropriate,
defined professional skills.
- A capacity for, and an understanding of, teamwork.
- An ability to logically analyse issues, consider
different options and viewpoints and implement decisions.
- A desire to continually seek improved solutions
and to initiate, and participate in, organisational
and social change.
- Self-confidence combined with oral and written communication
skills of a high level.
- A basic understanding of information literacy and
specific skills in acquiring, organising and presenting
information, particularly through computer-based activity.
- An appreciation and valuing of cultural and intellectual
diversity and the ability to function in a multi-cultural
or global environment.
- An acknowledgment and acceptance of individual responsibilities
and obligations and the rights of the individual and
the community.
Graduates with these attributes can be best described
as being independent, life long learners. The generic
skills associated with these attributes can be applied
in all areas of work and community life.
Opportunities for developing these attributes and generic
skills are built into all degree programs. The University
of Wollongong aims to provide students with disability
the opportunities necessary for developing the full
range of generic skills associated with the graduate
attributes. If a disability presents a challenge to
the development of these generic skills the University
will endeavour to provide resources which will enable
students to develop the graduate attributes. In practical
terms this may mean the provision of a program to help
students with a learning disability improve their reading
skills or provide a visually impaired student with assistive
technology which will enable access to print material.
The following information provides an introduction as
to how Student Services can assist
students with their particular needs.
Registration of disability
In order to make use of the facilities available at
the University, students must first register with the
Disability Liaison Officer by providing
a recent specialist's assessment of their disability.
This specialist assessment should also provide advice
to the University on the type of assistance students
may require in order to pursue their studies. This information
enables the University to provide appropriate assistance
and make wise use of public funds provided to Universities.
Generally, mobility difficulties and medical conditions
require documentation from a medical specialist; learning
difficulties require assessment from an educational
psychologist or consultant; psychiatric disabilities
require assessment from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
The DLO can advise students on the
forms of assessment which are acceptable to the University.
Registered students should advise the DLO
if they alter their subject enrolment, take leave of
absence or discontinue their studies.
Disclosure Permission
In most cases, it is in the best interest of students
with a disability or medical condition to inform teaching
staff of their needs. This enables staff to adapt their
teaching practice to a specific disability. If students
sign a disclosure consent form the
DLO can communicate their needs to
teaching staff. Alternatively, students can speak to
teaching staff about what they require.
Independent Learning Program
Once registered, the Disability Liaison
Officer can provide referral to the University's
programs and resources for students with disability.
The DLO will discuss the setting up
of an Independent Learning Program
which will involve assessing the skills needed to meet
the demands of the course; how to develop these skills
and the resources which the University can provide.
This may involve developing study skills in a manner
which is appropriate for a specific disability; learning
to use assistive technology or making use of resources
such as notetakers or alternative assessment systems.
Independent Learning Skills
Students with disability at the University
of Wollongong need to ensure that they take
responsibility for their learning through the development
of generic skills. For students with disability this
will mean developing their learning skills to the limits
of their capacity. This may involve specialised assistance
in the development of particular learning skills or
it may mean developing skills in the use of assistive
technology.
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