• Section 1 - Introduction
• Section 2 - Purpose
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Definitions
• Section 5 - Policy
• Equity and Inclusivity
• Reasonable Adjustments
• Student Engagement
• Collaborative Approach
• Section 6 - Responsibilities
• Students with Disability
• AccessAbility
• Academic and Professional Staff
• Section 7 - Support Services
• Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP)
• Physical Access and Facilities
• Section 8 - Associated Documents
• Section 9 - Complaints
• Section 10 - Confidentiality and Privacy
• Section 11 - Review and Continuous Improvement
• Section 12 - Non-Compliance

Section 1 - Introduction

(1) The University of Newcastle (University) is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for students with disability.

(2) The University aims to ensure that students with disability can participate fully in university life and have equal opportunities to succeed in their studies, in compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth) and other relevant State and Federal legislation.

Section 2 - Purpose

(3) This policy:

1. ensures compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 across all University activities;
2. supports the needs of students with disability;
3. seeks to foster an inclusive environment that promotes respect for diversity and equitable and safe access to learning, services, and facilities; and
4. ensures that students with disability are provided with reasonable adjustments and support, allowing them to engage with all academic programs and services on an equal basis wih other students.

Section 3 - Scope

(4) This policy applies to:

1. all current and prospective students at the University who have a disability that may impact on their University studies;
2. all academic programs, teaching, assessments, professional experience and research activities;
3. access to campus facilities and services, including extracurricular and social activities; and
4. online learning environments and digital resources.

(5) This policy applies to domestic and international students, regardless of their mode of study (full-time, part-time, on-campus, or online).

Section 4 - Definitions

(6) In the context of this document the following definitions apply:

Section 5 - Policy

Equity and Inclusivity

(7) The University strives to ensure that students with disability are provided with equitable access to all University programs, services, and facilities. This includes the provision of reasonable adjustments to enable students to engage with their studies and university life on the same basis as students without disability.

Reasonable Adjustments

(8) The University will provide reasonable adjustments based on individual needs. Reasonable adjustments may include:

1. modifications to assessment deadlines and methods;
2. access to assistive technologies and learning resources in alternative formats;
3. modifications to physical environments (e.g. classrooms, laboratories);
4. provision of support services such as but not limited to interpreters, accessible transport, note taking software and participation assistants;
5. changes to the delivery of lectures and materials (e.g. online learning options where available);
6. alternative examination arrangements such as but not limited to additional time, rest breaks, alternative formats (e.g. oral exams, enlarged text, adjusted lighting).

(9) Reasonable adjustments will be made without altering the inherent requirements of the course.

Student Engagement

(10) Students with disability are encouraged to actively engage with AccessAbility to ensure their needs are addressed. This includes early registration and the provision of relevant documentation to ensure the University can provide timely support.

Collaborative Approach

(11) All University staff including academic, administrative, and support services, will work collaboratively with students and disability support services to implement appropriate reasonable adjustments, ensuring the integrity of academic programs while fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Section 6 - Responsibilities

Students with Disability

(12) Students are responsible for:

1. registering with AccessAbility as early as possible;
2. providing relevant and current documentation regarding their disability;
3. engaging with staff and support services to develop and implement their Reasonable Adjustment Plan;
4. communicating any changes in their circumstances that may affect their ability to engage in their studies or use services.

AccessAbility

(13) The University's AccessAbility service is responsible for:

1. providing an accessible and timely service to all students within the scope of this policy;
2. assisting students with disability to develop Reasonable Adjustment Plans;
3. liaising with academic staff and other relevant services to ensure the timely implementation of reasonable adjustments;
4. providing advice and training to staff to promote awareness and support for students with disability where appropriate. 

Academic and Professional Staff

(14) Staff members are responsible for:

1. ensuring that reasonable adjustments specified in a student's Reasonable Adjustment Plan are implemented in a timely manner;
2. fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students;
3. consulting with AccessAbility when concerns arise regarding the implementation of reasonable adjustments;
4. maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of students with Reasonable Adjustment Plans in accordance with the requirement of the University's Privacy Management Plan and Privacy Policy.

Section 7 - Support Services

Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP)

(15) Following registration with AccessAbility, a RAP will be developed in consultation with the student. The RAP will specify the agreed-upon reasonable adjustments.

(16) Students will be encouraged to regularly review their RAP to ensure that their needs are being met effectively.

Physical Access and Facilities

(17) The University is committed to ensuring that campus facilities, including classrooms, libraries, transport and recreational spaces, are accessible. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate any specific physical access requirements that arise.

Section 8 - Associated Documents

(18) This policy should be read in conjunction with the guidelines, procedures, and other relevant University policies, including but not limited to:

1. Academic Appeals Policy;
2. Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Policy and Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Procedure;
3. Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy;
4. Complaint Management Policy and Complaint Management Procedure;
5. Course and Programs Performance Procedure;
6. Course Management and Assessment Manual;
7. Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2024 – 2025;
8. Equity Diversity and Inclusion Policy;
9. Equity Diversity and Inclusion 2023 – 2025 Strategy;
10. Enrolment Manual;
11. Health and Safety Guidelines;
12. Higher Degree by Research Policy, Higher Degree by Research Procedure and Confirmation Guidelines for HDR Candidates;
13. JMP – Student Support for Professional Practice Procedure;
14. Program Management Manual – Coursework;
15. Student Academic Progress Procedure;
16. Student Conduct Rule;
17. Supporting Students with Disability Policy;
18. Work Health and Safety Policy.

Section 9 - Complaints

(19) Students who believe that their needs have not been adequately addressed, or that reasonable adjustments have not been properly implemented should contact their Course Co-ordinator, AccessAbility Advisor or the Senior Manager, AccessAbility and Support to resolve the concern. If an adequate resolution cannot be found students may lodge a formal complaint in accordance with the University's Complaint Management Policy and its associated procedure.

Section 10 - Confidentiality and Privacy

(20) The University is committed to protecting the privacy of students with disability. Personal information and health information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis, in compliance with privacy legislation under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Personal information and health information collected under the terms of this document must be managed in accordance with the University's Privacy Management Plan, the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 NSW (PPIPA) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002.

Section 11 - Review and Continuous Improvement

(21) This policy will be reviewed every three years, or earlier, if necessary, to ensure compliance with legislative changes and alignment with best practices. Feedback from students, staff, and disability advocacy groups will inform these reviews.

Section 12 - Non-Compliance

(22) Non-compliance with a Reasonable Adjustment Plan is considered a serious matter. Staff who do not comply with the requirements of this Policy may be subject to the provisions of the misconduct / serious misconduct clauses of the applicable Enterprise Agreement or employment contract.