Talking to a Disability Advisor

The Disability Service helps students who have a disability or a chronic medical condition to access reasonable adjustments and provides advice and information to prospective students about the supports and facilities available to students at Western. It is the Disability Service’s principle to encourage independence, responsibility and autonomy in students who access the service.

Talk to us about your needs

To access services provided through the Disability Service, you must register with the Disability Service by undertaking an initial consultation with a Disability Advisor on your campus to assess your individual needs. You will need to allow up to 2 hours for the initial consultation. You can register with the Disability Service at any time during your studies, however registration should be completed as soon as possible to ensure that your required supports can be implemented in a timely manner.

Preparation for initial consultation

It is highly recommended for you to have your treating medical professional complete the Impact of Disability and/or Health Condition on Study [PDF, 209.27 KB] form prior to your initial appointment so you can discuss the information with a Disability Advisor. Email the form to your Disability Advisor or disability@westernsydney.edu.au if you are unsure of who your Disability Advisor is.

What to expect during the initial consultation

During the initial consultation, your Disability Advisor will discuss with you the impact of your disability on your studies and may recommend referral to other support services and/or the implementation of reasonable and necessary adjustments to support your full access and engagement within the university environment.

During the consultation, you will be provided with advice that is tailored to meet your individual needs including information about university processes and services, or adjustments that will assist you to complete your studies in a fair and equitable manner. Some information and advice provided to you at the time of your initial consultation may include; the development of a plan to manage your study, communicating your needs to academic staff as required, provisions for tutorials and seminars, assistance with exam adjustments, providing access to self-advocacy resources, and more.

On conclusion of your consultation, an Academic Reasonable Adjustment Plan (ARAP) may be developed in consultation with you that outlines the reasonable adjustments to be implemented. These adjustments include any changes to your learning environment that will provide you with equitable access to academic content in your course and with your assessments.

After the initial consultation

The main point of contact and support for students with disabilities is your Disability Advisor(s). If your symptoms or the impact of your condition changes, or if you require further assistance after the initial consultation, please make an appointment to speak with your Disability Advisor by either phoning 1300 668 370 or email disability@westernsydney.edu.au.