Disability and accessibility | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Disability and accessibility

UniSC provides an equitable environment so you can fully participate in university life if you have a disability or care for someone who does.

Recognising individual needs

We recognise that disability may be permanent, temporary or variable and may include, but isn't limited to: 

  • brain injuries
  • intellectual disabilities
  • medical conditions, such as asthma, cancer, chronic fatigue, Crohn's Disease, diabetes, heart disease, etc
  • neurodiversity, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism (ASD), etc
  • neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, etc
  • physical conditions, such as arthritis, cerebral palsy, paraplegia, etc
  • psychiatric or mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, etc
  • sensory conditions, such as auditory processing disorder, blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, etc
  • Specific Learning Disorders (previously dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia)
  • temporary injuries, such as a fractured limb, surgery impacting study, etc
  • primary carer responsibilities, i.e. if you provide care for someone with any of the above conditions or who is considered frail and aged

How we can help

We'll meet with you to discuss your unique needs and the requirements of your program (also called Inherent Academic Requirements) and identify appropriate reasonable adjustments. We can also provide practical advice about the support and facilities available to you at UniSC.

Supporting documentation

You'll be asked to complete a consent form that explains who has access to the information you share with us. You'll also be asked to provide documentation to verify the nature and impacts of your condition, or role as a carer. You can discuss these at your appointment.

Explore documentation requirements

For parents and guardians

Parents and guardians are welcome to contact us for general information about possible supports and services available. However, privacy laws restrict us from speaking about a student without the student's written consent. UniSC is an adult learning environment where students take an active role in managing their university studies.

We recognise this transition can be challenging for some, and we are committed to supporting students through this process. With a student’s consent, to ensure the best possible support for their learning, our student support services may work collaboratively with parents or guardians.

Visiting campus

Facilities

Accessible toilets and free accessible parking (with a permit from Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads) are available at all campuses. Our maps locate these facilities. Lifts are noted where available.

Assistance animals

UniSC welcomes assistance animals on campus. Assistance animals must wear an identifiable coat or harness while on campus and be accompanied by a certified handler carrying an identification card.

Contact AccessAbility Services

Tel: +61 7 5430 1226
Email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au

Current students can book an appointment using Student Hub

Our stories

Making a strong case to challenge assumptions

As a schoolgirl, Breanna dreamt of choosing senior subjects in marine biology, but, being a wheelchair user, it just wasn't practical. Instead, she found her path in legal studies, a perfect way to combine a law career with disability advocacy.

When life gives you a wheelchair, find a basketball court

Steven Elliott was an active, sports-mad, 13-year-old schoolboy when a sudden illness left him paralysed; rather than falling into despair and thinking 'why me?', Steven made a conscious choice to make the very best of the hand he'd been dealt.

 

 

Tips and advice for study

Grace and Georgia from the Disability and Inclusion Student Group share their stories and offer advice on how to set yourself up for success and connect as a student with a disability.

 

 

We define our own success

"Each one of us has to face and overcome our own fears and challenges throughout our university journey. Live your life to the fullest and never give up on your dreams."

Chancellor’s Medallist and Bachelor of Business graduate Belinda Harris's inspiring words at her graduation address.

Contact us

Tel: +61 7 5430 1226
Email: AccessAbility@usc.edu.au
Book an appointment: Student Hub
Future students: Register for Student Hub