Disability Services
Disclosure
Some students fear that if they disclose that they have a disability, it may prejudice their chances of gaining a place at University or affect their studies once they are enrolled. This is not the case but students should be aware of the course requirements. The University is entitled to maintain the academic requirements of a course and other requirements which are inherent in or essential to its nature.
Universities have a responsibility to ensure that students with disabilities are treated in a non-discriminatory manner, in accordance with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the associated Disability Standards for Education 2005 and consistent with the Students with Disabilities: Code of Practice for Australian Tertiary Institutions (being revised 2006).
You do not need to tell the University that you have a disability or medical condition unless there is an OH&S risk or you need study adjustments or support services. Please discuss any concerns you have regarding disclosure with a Disability Liaison Officer.
Choosing Your Path has an extensive discussion about Disclosure both in the workplace and in educational settings, and it is well worth a read. As they say, “Disclosure of disability presents a number of challenges and choices for people with a disability, particularly those participating in education and employment. Choices may include 'Do I need to disclose my disability', ''when do I disclose my disability', 'how do I disclose my disability', 'what are my rights', 'do I have responsibilities when I disclose'.”
When and how should I disclose my disability?
Before you apply: contact the Disability Liaison Officer or the course coordinator at the relevant CSU campus as early as possible.
During the application process: NSW applicants for full time study should complete the UAC Educational Access Schemes form in addition to the UAC application to apply for your course. VTAC applicants for full-time study need to submit SEAS Online Application at www.vtac.edu.au – it is only available after their VTAC application has been successfully submitted. VTAC students who are applying to CSU as Late Direct or changing preferences for the late and final round will need to download and complete a CSU Special Consideration for Admission form. Distance education and part time applicants should complete a CSU Special Consideration for Admission form in addition to the CSU application form. To obtain a Special Consideration for Admission form contact the CSU Admissions Office (02 69332121) or one of the Disability Liaison Officers.
At enrolment: tick the box corresponding to the question "Do you have a disability?" even if you do not require assistance. This information helps the University monitor participation by equity target groups in Higher Education (but no reference is made to students’ names or identification numbers). In addition, if you would like more information about services available, indicate by a tick in the box corresponding to that question, and you will be contacted by a Disability Liaison Officer.
During your course : if you find you require assistance you are encouraged to contact a Disability Liaison Officer even if you have not done so previously.
What about confidentiality?
Personal or health information provided to the Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) is protected by the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW). Any information provided by you to the DLO should be accurate and is given voluntarily. The information is collected by the DLO for the purpose of supporting you in your studies and will only be disclosed to relevant CSU staff for this purpose. This information may be recorded in a file which will be kept in a secure place and will be destroyed in accordance with General Disposal Authorities as set by State Records NSW.
Your information will not be supplied to any person or organisation outside the University for any purpose unless authorised by you except where the University may be legally required to do so.
You may request the DLO to allow you to view your file at any time and request in writing that information be updated if it is incorrect. Relevant information to support this request will need to be provided.
If you are dissatisfied with the way the DLO has handled your personal information you may apply to have the matter reviewed by lodging a formal application with the CSU Ombudsman.