Special Needs Support

Special Needs Support aims to ensure that the needs of all students with special learning needs are understood, communicated and met within the Institute. Disability Liaison Officer, Julie Proud (5142 2411) and Special Needs Support Network Officer Trudy Johnson (5150 4207) are a part of the StudyAssist Unit, within the Social Science Team.

The role of Disability Liaison Officer was brought about by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Fed), which protects the rights of people with a disability in all areas of their life. For the education sector, students with disabilities have the same rights as all other students and are not to be disadvantaged in their studies because of a disability.

One of the roles for the Disability Liaison Officer is to educate or make aware, aspects of what might be discriminatory for a student with a disability. Education for staff can include:

• Small focus groups on specific disability topics
• Individual Team training to meet your team's needs as staff
• ResponseAbility training designed to enhance awareness of and ability to interact with students with disabilities. This program is designed for staff working in the VET sector.

Examples of how Special Needs Support assists students:

• Providing an Interpreter or note taker for a student who is DEAF or hard of hearing.
• Providing alternative format to class materials for a student who is blind or vision impaired or has other learning difficulties.
• Providing physical access to buildings.
• Providing software or equipment for a variety of disabilities.
• Providing a Student Support Staff to work with a student with learning difficulties.

Special Needs Support will maximise the learning experience and provide strategies to enhance a student’s studies.