Policies and procedures
POLICY NO. C- 7.3
DATE OF APPROVAL: 16 December 1991 (Resolution C-12/91-49.6)
AMENDMENTS: Manager: Equal Opportunity July 1998; Revision 3 September 1998 SMG; 11 October 1999, Manager: Equity and Diversity; 18 March 2003 (Resolution C-2003/1/12)
REFERENCE AUTHORITY: Senior Management Group
CROSS-REFERENCES: Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (as amended)
Selection and Entry to Programs Policy A-18.8
South Australian Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (as amended)
University of South Australia Act 1990 (as amended)
University of South Australia Equal Opportunity Policy C-2.2
University of South Australia Equal Opportunity Discrimination and Harassment Procedures 1996
University of South Australia Disability Action Plan 2002
University of South Australia Policy and Procedures for the Resolution of Student Grievances.1998 (as amended)
University of South Australia Car Parking Policy C-10.2
University of South Australia Car Parking Procedures 2001 (as amended)
University of South Australia Confidentiality of Student’s Personal Information Policy A-46.0
University of South Australia Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual
University of South Australia Selection and Entry to Programs 2000 (as amended)
The University of South Australia supports the right of people with disabilities to be involved in all facets of community life including full and equitable participation in higher education. It recognises its social and legal obligation to provide an accessible and inclusive environment for students with disabilities. The University is bound by the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the South Australian Equal Opportunity Act 1984 and will act in accordance with the spirit and requirements of the legislation and AVCC guidelines issued in 1996.
The University of South Australia will take reasonable steps to identify and eliminate unlawful direct, indirect, and systemic discrimination from its structures and practices and will ensure that students with disabilities are afforded reasonable opportunity to participate in all aspects of University life.
All staff shall, within their areas of responsibility, take reasonable steps to remove any barriers which exist to academic programs, and the physical, social, and virtual environment in accordance with the University’s Disability Action Plan.
The University will provide reasonable assistance to prospective students with disabilities to gain access to its programs.
The University will provide reasonable adjustments to ensure that students with disabilities can successfully complete their program of study.
Students with disabilities who require services or adjustments have a responsibility to provide timely and appropriate information which assists the University to fulfil its obligations.
The University recognises that on-line developments can create barriers for students with disabilities and will therefore take reasonable steps to ensure accessibility.
This policy will be regularly evaluated and revised using consultative mechanisms and practices to maintain relevant continuous improvement in services and facilities for students with disabilities.
Access: Refers to entry to the University as well as the ability to join and participate in all relevant facets of university life. This includes access to buildings, programs, educational materials, relevant social and cultural information, recreational facilities and activities, ceremonial events, communication facilities such as telephones, TTY’s, computer laboratories, fieldwork, and careers advice.
Alternative assessment arrangements: Refers to any alterations to the standard form of assessment or conditions relating to the assessment which are put in place to minimise the disadvantage experienced by students with disabilities.
Disability: This policy will use the expression, students with disabilities throughout as a shorthand term to include all disabilities or medical conditions covered under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA).
The definition of disability in the DDA is:
It also includes a disability that presently exists, or previously existed but no longer exists or may exist in the future or is imputed to a person.
The DDA covers people with a disability who may be discriminated against because:
The DDA protects people who have some form of personal connection with a person with a disability like relatives, friends, carers and co-workers if they are discriminated against because of that connection or relationship.
Harassment because of disability is unlawful in employment, education and in the provision of goods, services and facilities.
Discrimination: Discrimination can occur either directly or indirectly and is referred to in the DDA. It is direct discrimination to treat a person less favourably because of his or her disability. It is indirect discrimination when a practice appears to treat everyone equally but in effect disadvantages or excludes people with a disability.
Reasonable adjustment/Reasonable accommodation: Refers to making appropriate alterations to educational programs, procedures and facilities to remove barriers for students with disabilities. In the case of transnational students this policy will be viewed in the context of in-country legislation.
University environment: Refers to the academic, physical, social and virtual environment that caters for a diverse range of students, industry and professional partners, from Australia and internationally.
Unjustifiable hardship: Under the DDA the University could defend a complaint of disability discrimination if it could successfully demonstrate that complying would cause unjustifiable hardship to the University. Factors taken into account when determining unjustifiable hardship include the impact on all concerned, the effect of the disability, financial circumstances of the University and the costs involved.
The policy for students with disabilities establishes the need for reasonable access to the academic, physical, social and virtual environments of the University including its services, curriculum, and assessment arrangements. These procedures when followed will ensure compliance with the policy. Each subsection in these procedures is intended to stand alone. Therefore any repetition is intentional.
Access Plan: Refers to the written statement prepared by the Disability Service at Learning Connection listing the adjustments required for individual students with disabilities to enable them to participate equitably in the program of study. Where the services and adjustments listed in the Access Plan relate to course content, negotiation will have taken place with the relevant Course Coordinator and signed off by the Program Director.
Curriculum Modification: Refers to the modification of individual courses and programs to meet the specific requirements of students with disabilities, such as alternative projects to ensure equitable access to the learning environment. It is not about changes which compromise the academic standard of the course or program.
Inherent Requirements: The University has a responsibility to provide advice about likely impediments to those elements in a program or course which must be successfully completed by students because they are essential to the program or course. Students with disabilities may need to be provided with reasonable adjustments to meet inherent requirements.
Modification to Examinations: Refers to a change in the examination format or an alternative arrangement which has been agreed to by the relevant academic staff member to minimise the disadvantage experienced by students with disabilities.
Variation to Continuous Assessment: Refers to alterations to the usual assessment conducted throughout the semester - for example, in class, during fieldwork, or on placement. These alterations are put in place to minimise the disadvantage experienced by students with disabilities.
Variation to Entry: Refers to an opportunity given to students who meet the requirements for entry to the Program but who have experienced educational disadvantage related to their disability.
Variation to Examination Arrangements: Refers to alterations to the standard form of examination or conditions relating to the examination which are put in place to minimise the disadvantage experienced by students with disabilities. Variations include but are not limited to, additional time, a separate or different location, use of a scribe or use of a computer. They do not include changes to the examination content.
1.1 The University’s promotional materials to prospective students shall make explicit reference to the opportunities for students with disabilities to enter at all program levels.
1.2 All promotional materials to prospective students shall be available upon request in appropriately accessible formats.
1.3 The University’s program and career advice to prospective students will be available on-line and is also provided by Future Student Enquiries, Disability Service at Learning Connection, and Program Directors. However, the University recognises that the responsibility for program choice rests with the student.
1.4 The University will inform prospective students of likely impediments to the completion of elements of the program in circumstances where these impediments can not be overcome through reasonable accommodation or adjustment.
1.5 Prospective students with disabilities will be considered for admission to University programs by all usual methods of entry, subject to meeting entry requirements. In addition there shall be opportunity for students with disabilities to request a variation to entry.
2.1 People with disabilities who make general enquires about a variation to entry to the University of South Australia will be directed to the Disability Service at Learning Connection for further information.
Eligibility
2.2 An applicant will be deemed eligible for a variation to entry consideration if they:
Selection Panel
2.3 If the Disability Service at Learning Connection determines that an application for variation to entry is appropriate, this will be referred to the Manager: Academic Services who will arrange for the applicant to be interviewed by a selection panel. Interviews may be in person, or by electronic means and the applicant may be accompanied by an advocate.
2.4 The selection panel will consist of the Manager: Academic Services the relevant Head of School and relevant Program Director. The Disability Service at Learning Connection will be present as a resource to the panel.
Documentation required
2.5 Applicants who request a variation to entry are required to supply appropriate supporting documentation. The documentation will be used to verify their disability and its educational impact.
2.6 Documentation will usually include a letter from an appropriately qualified professional confirming the impact of the disability on educational performance, but may also include relevant school reports, or other documentation deemed acceptable to the University of South Australia.
Successful applications
2.7 If the panel accepts the application then the Manager: Academic Services will arrange for a formal offer to be made to the applicant.
2.8 The letter will direct the student to contact the Disability Service at Learning Connection as soon as possible to discuss learning support needs.
Ineligibility
2.9 An applicant will be deemed ineligible for variation to entry if they fail to provide appropriate verification of educational disadvantage or do not meet the minimum standards for entry to the Program.
2.10 If an applicant has provided appropriate verification of educational disadvantage, the selection panel can only reject an application for a reason that does not breach the Disability Discrimination Act (1992). The applicant will be provided with the reason/s for the selection panel’s decision within a reasonable timeframe of the initial request.
3.1 The University will ensure that selection criteria are appropriate to the program to which they apply and do not unlawfully discriminate against applicants with disabilities.
3.2 The University will ensure that selection procedures based on interview and or audition are not unlawfully discriminatory.
3.3 Whenever possible the University will enable students with disabilities to study full-time and on campus programs in flexible delivery modes.
3.4 If at selection there is doubt about the capacity of the University’s resources to adequately provide the support required for a student to complete a program of study, the matter will be referred to the Disability Service at Learning Connection for advice.
4.1 The University will ensure that students with disabilities are provided with appropriate assistance to enable them to access its enrolment systems.
5. 1 Enrolled students with disabilities who request services have a responsibility to provide timely and appropriate documentation to the Disability Service at Learning Connection. However, all students with disabilities will be invited to disclose their disability to the University at enrolment. This disclosure enables the University to provide information to students about disability services, and to fulfil the University’s statistical reporting responsibilities to the Department of Education, Science and Training.
5. 2 Students who disclose that they have a disability at enrolment will be contacted by the Disability Service at Learning Connection to invite them to make an appointment if they wish to discuss their requirements further. Disclosure of a disability at enrolment does not lead to the automatic provision of disability services.
5.3 Where the student is unable to attend an appointment, this discussion may occur by electronic means.
6.1 The University’s teaching and learning environment is student centred and flexibility is a major means of providing students with access, control and choice about matters affecting their study. However, some students with disabilities will have particular requirements and where this is so, they should make contact with the Disability Service at Learning Connection to discuss their requirements for specialised services or equipment relating to their disability. The web address for Learning Connection can be found at: http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/defaultdisability.asp.
6. 2 Students who request disability related services will be required to provide appropriate documentation about their disability and the impact on their learning to the Disability Service at Learning Connection.
6.3 In the case of transnational students with a disability, where the University’s policy is viewed in the context of in-country legislation, service provision is negotiated on an individual student basis with the partner institution.
6.4 Appropriate Documentation
6.4.1 Documentation from an appropriately qualified professional will outline the functional impact of the disability on the program of study and recommend adjustments and services required.
6 4.2 Disability information provided by students to the Disability Service at Learning Connection will not be disseminated to other staff without the student’s consent.
6.5 Students may request services or equipment on the basis of their experiences, on the recommendation of an appropriately qualified professional, or on the recommendation of the Disability Service at Learning Connection.
6.6 The decision to provide services or equipment is based on meeting the requirements of individual students to the minimum level required for reasonable student access. The Disability Service at Learning Connection is responsible for overseeing the quality of equipment and services provided.
6.7 Where possible, services and equipment are provided utilising existing University resources.
6.8 Equipment remains the property of the University. Students are responsible for the security of equipment whilst on loan.
6.9 Students are responsible for reporting any problems with services or equipment provided to the Disability Service at Learning Connection.
7.1 Where appropriate the University will reorganise its teaching and learning activities to ensure that students with disabilities have access to learning materials and resources.
7.2 When required by students with disabilities university staff will make study materials available in sufficient time for their conversion to accessible formats.
7.3 Program Directors are responsible for ensuring that course materials or requirements are not unlawfully discriminatory.
8.1 The University acknowledges that it has a responsibility to provide a flexible framework to enable students with disabilities to study and perform to the best of their ability. Where necessary the University will adapt the curriculum to meet the specific requirements of students with disabilities without compromising the essential skill or knowledge required.
8.2 Any student with a disability who requests curriculum modification should contact the Disability Service at Learning Connection in the first instance to discuss his/her requirements and options.
8.3 Where the student is unable to attend in person, this discussion may occur via electronic means.
8.4 The Disability Service at Learning Connection will facilitate negotiation of curriculum modification between the student, the Program Director and relevant Course Coordinators.
8.5 Any curriculum modifications agreed to and signed off by the Program Director will be documented in the student’s Access Plan.
8.6 Access Plans will be held at Learning Connection and a copy forwarded to the student and the Program Director.
9.1 University assessment practices shall be inclusive and support equity principles in accordance with the Code of good practice: principles of student assessment.
9.2 The University will encourage students with disabilities to indicate ways in which assessment requirements or conditions might be tailored if required to take account of their specific disability.
9.3 The University will encourage staff to redesign assessment, including field work and practical work components of course assessment, to take into account the capacities of students with disabilities provided the skills and knowledge being assessed are not compromised.
9.4 Variation to examination arrangements
9.4.1 Any student with a disability who wishes to negotiate variation to examination arrangements should contact the Disability Service at Learning Connection.
9.4.2 Where the student is unable to attend in person, this discussion may occur by electronic means.
9.4.3 When variations to examination arrangements are considered to be a reasonable adjustment by the Disability Service at Learning Connection variation to examination information is forwarded directly to the relevant examinations officer.
9.4.4 The relevant examinations officer is responsible for organising the variation to examination arrangements which have been authorised by the Disability Service at Learning Connection for the period specified.
9.4.5 The relevant examinations officer is responsible for notifying the student of the details of the variation to examination arrangements such as the location and time for the examination.
9.4.6 The Disability Service at Learning Connection will specify the period of time the variation to examination arrangements are to be in place.
9.4.7 Students with permanent disabilities and ongoing medical conditions will have these arrangements in place for the duration of their program unless the student, the Disability Service at Learning Connection or the Program Director requests a review.
9.4.8 Where the only variation to examination arrangement required is an extra ten minutes per hour for every hour of a standard examination, to be used for reading or writing, the Disability Service at Learning Connection will request that the student is provided with an ENTEXT card from Student and Academic Services.
9.5 Modification to an Examination
9.5.1 Any student with a disability who requests modifications to examinations should in the first instance make contact with the Disability Service at Learning Connection.
9.5.2 Where the student is unable to attend in person, this discussion may occur by electronic means.
9.5.3 Where the Disability Service at Learning Connection establishes that the student requires modifications to examinations which are not simply variations to examination arrangements this will be negotiated between the student, the Disability Service at Learning Connection and the Course Coordinator.
9.5.4 Where modifications to examinations are agreed to by the Course Coordinator, the details are entered into the student’s Access Plan by the Disability Service at Learning Connection.
9.5.5 The Disability Service at Learning Connection will advise the relevant examinations officer of the modifications.
9.5.6 The relevant examinations officer is responsible for notifying the student of the arrangements in place for the modification to examinations.
9.5.7 The modifications to examinations agreed to will remain in place for the duration of the course unless a review is requested by the student, Course Coordinator, or the Disability Service at Learning Connection.
9.6 Variation to Continuous Assessment.
9.6.1 Students who approach a Course Coordinator regarding a variation to continuous assessment need to have already provided appropriate documentation to the Disability Service at Learning Connection.
9.6.2 Course Coordinators should establish that a student has provided appropriate documentation to the Disability Service at Learning Connection before entering into any negotiation.
9.6.3 Students with disabilities who have provided appropriate documentation to the Disability Service at Learning Connection, should negotiate variations to continuous assessment, (in-class, fieldwork or placement activities) directly with the Course Coordinator.
9.6.4 Where the student is unable to attend in person, this discussion may occur by electronic means.
9.6.5 Where it is not possible to negotiate a satisfactory outcome the student can request the assistance of the Disability Service at Learning Connection.
9.6.6 The variation to continuous assessment, (in-class, fieldwork or placement activities) once negotiated will remain in place for the duration of the course unless there are significant changes to the assessment tasks.
10.1 The University will work towards having its web-based services accessible to people with disabilities.
10.2 All new webpages residing on University of South Australia servers must comply with priority one of the international guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium, W3C.
10.3 The University will progressively provide and update adaptive and assistive technologies for students with disabilities.
11.1 The University will ensure that its budget process takes into account the need to provide reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities.
12.1 Students with disabilities will have their complaints resolved in a timely manner as per the University policy C17 (Policy and procedures for the Resolution of student grievances).
13.1 Where the nature or extent of a student’s disability is likely to create a potentially dangerous situation which is unreasonable in the circumstances, the matter will be referred to the Disability Service at Learning Connection.
14.1 The review of this policy is the responsibility of the Pro Vice Chancellor Access and Learning Support.
14.2 The annual review of Divisional and Unit targets will be a mechanism for monitoring the success of this policy.
