Staff

The University is committed to supporting staff with an illness, injury, medical condition or disability and assisting them, where appropriate, by making reasonable adjustments to allow staff to continue at work or resume their duties within a reasonable time period.

Disability Action Plan

The University demonstrates its commitment to both staff and students with disabilities through the development and implementation of its Disability Action Plan 2014 – 2018.

The plan encourages prospective and current staff and students of the University community to engage with, understand and respect differences and similarities among people.

It focuses on increased consultation and awareness about disability and introduces new initiatives and activities to further enhance:

• The inclusion of students and staff with a disability in all aspects of university life
• Identification and removal of barriers to tertiary education and employment for students and staff
• Diversification of the University’s workforce and student population
• Prevention of intentional, non-intentional or systemic discrimination

Download a copy of the Disability Action plan. (PDF, 926kb)

Managing staff with disabilities

The University is committed to supporting staff with a disability, ensuring they have the same inherent rights as all members of the University community: to be treated with respect, courtesy, fairness and equity.

Staff are encouraged to discuss their disability with their supervisor to enable the most suitable approach to providing support and assistance. Where modifications to the workplace are required, support will be provided wherever possible to enable staff to continue to carry out their duties. Comprehensive information will be sought so that changes in the workplace can be made. Changes may include re-design of job duties, modification of the work environment, workplace flexibility in hours of work through consultation with the staff member and treating specialist.

Teaching students with disabilities

Inclusive teaching practices are a proactive way of meeting the needs of a diverse student population. Inclusive practice is a combination of a positive attitude to diversity as well as a preparedness to take practical steps toward inclusion. Practical steps include such things as the use of microphones and facing the class when speaking. Providing comprehensive written notes in an accessible format and a variety in assessment tasks. Class processes such as group work, field trips, practicals and assessment tasks should also be conducted with disability access in mind.

At times individual adjustments will be required to provide equitable access for a student with disabilities. The Access and Inclusion Service can help teaching staff with service provision and advice.

More information about inclusive teaching practices, technology and other useful resources can be found at the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) website.