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Student FAQs

Registering with Disability Services

How Can Disability Services Help Me?

Communicating with Disability Services

Privacy & Confidentiality

Other Support Services

Academic Concerns

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Who can register for Disability Services?
A student who has a disability as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) AND whose disability impacts or in the case of prospective students has the potential to impact on the student’s University studies in some way, AND the student has supporting documentation i.e. documentation from a medical or other appropriate health professional describing the disability and any corresponding need for services and/or adjustments.

Students must have a valid student identification number (SID) and have a current subject enrolment to be eligible to access support from Disability Services. Individuals undertaking bridging courses or courses at the Centre for Continuing Education are not actually students of the University and will need to discuss their individual requirements with the tutors managing their course.

When should I contact Disability Services?
It is preferable to contact Disability Services prior to commencing study, to ensure there is sufficient time for any modifications to be put in place. You can contact Disability Services at any time prior to your application or admission to the University of Sydney for information on the types of services that may be available to you.

How do I register for Disability Services?
For information on how to register with Disability Services, please go to our Registration and Services web page. In short, you will need to begin the registration process online, provide supporting documentation using the Supporting Documentation Form and make an appointment with a Disability Services Officer. During the appointment the Disability Services Officer will review the documentation and assess your eligibility for services.

Do I need to re-register each semester?
Students who have supplied sufficient documentation during registration as to the nature and extent of their disability do not need to re-register each semester. However, if the condition fluctuates or changes at all, updated documentation will be required to support the ongoing provision of services. Students registered with a temporary illness or injury will need to supply updated documentation on a semester basis if there are ongoing concerns and need for support.

I have a mental health condition. Can I register with Disability Services?
Yes, mental health conditions are included in the Disability Discrimination Act (1992). Many students registered with Disability Services have mental health conditions.

I have a temporary disability. Can I register with Disability Services?
Yes. If you have a temporary disability (i.e broken limb, affected mobility, short term medical conditions) that impacts on your ability to study you may be eligible for support from Disability Services. You must make an appointment with a Disability Services Officer and bring the Supporting Documentation Form.

I am an international student. Can I register with Disability Services?
Yes, providing you meet the criteria of a student who is eligible to receive services and support. Please note that the assistance and support you received at your home institution may not be the same as those available in Australia. There is more information available on our webpage for international students.

I ticked the disability box on my UAC form, am I now registered with Disability Services?
No, this is for statistical purposes only and the information is not referred to Disability Services. You must follow the procedure for registering to receive assistance and support.

What type of supporting documentation do I need to provide?
To support your registration, you must provide recent and legible medical documentation from your medical doctor or treating health professional using the Disability Services Supporting Documentation Form. Once your medical doctor or treating health professional has filled out the form, upload the completed form to the 'Student request to register' page. Alternatively, you can bring the completed form to your initial appointment with a Disability Services Officer or ask your medical doctor or treating health professional to email the form to .

Supporting documentation for students with a learning disability
If you are requesting services due to a learning disability, Disability Services requires a complete copy of the results of the psychometric testing used to diagnose the extent of your learning disability. This testing must have been conducted after you have turned 17, as levels of learning disability can change during childhood and adolescence. If required, a Disability Services Officer can refer you for psychometric testing with relevant assessment centres or psychologists.

I am an existing student. I have a disability and am not registered with Disability Services. Can I register and seek support for subjects retrospectively?
Disability Services can offer assistance towards subjects you are currently enrolled in at the time of registration. In most instances, Disability Services cannot assist with matters that have taken place prior to your registration.

Will my adjustments be the same as what I received during previous study?
Not necessarily. Each institution determines adjustments for students on an individual basis. Your needs will be discussed during an appointment with a Disability Services Officer, and you will be advised of the University’s adjustments that are appropriate for your needs.

I will be studying at Sydney for one semester as a Study Abroad/Exchange student. Will I receive the same support that I currently get at my home university?
Not all universities can offer the same level of support and there may be some differences between Sydney and your home university. To review the support that you may be eligible to receive, you will need to register with Disability Services before your semester starts. Go to our webpage for international students for information on registering.


What services are available through Disability Services?
Services that are available, depending on your circumstances, include:

Can I get accessible parking?
Students wishing to park in marked disabled parking bays require a current valid Road Transport Authority (RTA) Mobility Parking Permit. The University may also, at its discretion, provide temporary access to on-campus parking for students who provide the Director of the University Health Service with satisfactory evidence of a medical condition that causes significant impediment to that person's access to the University campus.
Refer here for further information.

How do I apply for examination adjustments?
At the time of registering with Disability Services a Disability Services Officer will determine if you are eligible for exam adjustments. Once determined, for formal/final examinations, at approximately the same time the examination schedule is released you will be required to lodge a service request with Disability Services for the exams using our online system. For in-department examinations, you will need to lodge a service request with Disability Services at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled
exam.

Can Disability Services arrange a referral?
Disability Services can recommend other services within the University that could be useful for you to access, such as Counselling, the Learning Centre or the Psychology Clinic. An official referral is not required to access these services.

My disability affects my mobility. Where can I find access information for all campuses?
Please refer to the Online Access Maps.

As part of my degree I am required to undertake a practicum. How do I arrange support for this?
You should contact Disability Services, who can arrange a meeting with your supervisor.

I received tutoring assistance at my previous educational institution. Will I still receive this at Sydney?
Students who require tutoring to support their studies will need to make these arrangements privately as this is not a service we can provide.

Can Disability Services help me with my employment search?
No, but there is a dedicated team within the Careers Centre that can. Please refer to their website for specific information about employment, opportunities and services for graduates with a disability.

How do I contact Disability Services?
Students can contact Disability Services by phone and email, or in person. Please refer to the Contacts page.

How will Disability Services know what I need each semester?
Although Disability Services keep records of the services each student is eligible for, you will need to lodge service requests throughout each semester. Disability Services will send out reminder emails regarding your interest in some services (eg notetaking, timetable adjustments), but it is each student's responsibility to contact Disability Services with direct requests as they are needed.

Will my registration and access of Disability Services be recorded on my academic transcript?
No. Disability Services keeps a record of registered students. These files have restricted access. There is no transferring of information to your academic record.

Who has access to the information I provide to Disability Services?
Personal information about students is protected under the Privacy and Personal Information Act 1998 (NSW), the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and under the University of Sydney’s Privacy Policy and Plan. To access support and adjustments it is necessary to disclose your condition or disability by registering with Disability Services and providing the appropriate Supporting Documentation. In most circumstances it will not be necessary for Disability Services staff to share or disclose information provided by students regarding their condition or disability.

Can I request a copy of my file?
Yes. You can make a request in writing to have a copy sent to you, or nominate a third party that you would like it sent to.

Do I need to inform my lecturers of my disability?
It is up to you how much information you wish to provide to academic staff directly. Disclosure is a personal choice; the individual must make their own decisions pertinent to their situation. Many students find it helpful, though it is not compulsory. Any concerns regarding disclosure should be discussed with a Disability Services Officer.

Is there anyone I can talk to within my Faculty regarding my disability?
Yes. All faculties/schools have a staff member appointed as a Student Disability Liaison Officer (SDLO). Contact your SDLO to discuss any concerns you may have regarding assistance within your Faculty.

How can I access specific support for my particular disability?
Please refer to the Support Groups page on our website.

Will I need to apply for Special Consideration?
Assessment adjustments and examination adjustments can be sought through Disability Services. However, if students require adjustments or extensions beyond their eligibilities, they should discuss their options with the unit of study coordinator, and they may be required to apply for Special Consideration directly with their Faculty.
If a student cannot sit an examination due to illness or the impact of their disability, they must follow their Faculty Special Consideration guidelines and submit an application to re-schedule their exam.

Applications for Special Consideration must be lodged with the relevant faculty office, and each Faculty has a set time limit within which applications need to be submitted. Please make sure you check with your Faculty about their deadline.

What is the procedure for applying for Special Consideration?
Applications for Special Consideration must be lodged with the relevant faculty office prior to the deadline set by the faculty. To apply for Special Consideration, you will need to:

  • Obtain a special consideration application form from the relevant faculty office or the faculty website. Some faculties have an online system for applying for special consideration.
  • Complete the special consideration application form.
  • For consideration due to serious illness have a registered medical practitioner or counsellor complete the Professional Practitioners Certificate.
  • For consideration due to misadventure attach the appropriate documentation.
  • Applications for Special Consideration need to be lodged directly through your Faculty, NOT through Disability Services.

I have been asked to show cause. Am I able to get assistance from Disability Services?
Disability Services cannot assist students in this regard. Students are referred to the SRC (undergraduate students) and SUPRA (postgraduate students) who can offer appropriate assistance to students who have been asked to show cause.

I failed my first year due to my disability. Can my academic transcript be amended?
Please refer to the SRC or SUPRA for advice and assistance regarding Academic Appeals.

How long do I have to my finish my degree?
The standard time frame for completion of a degree is 10 years, though please note that certain degrees can differ in their length of candidature. You must refer to your Faculty for advice on your particular course of study.

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