Disability support

Get assistance from disability support staff

Disability Advisors are available to assist students with disabilities or ongoing medical conditions in meeting the requirements of their course through adjustments to assessment and academic requirements and advice on managing university study.

Who can receive disability support?

Any student with a disability or long term medical condition is eligible for support. This includes people with a permanent or temporary physical, learning or sensory disability, mental health issue or medical condition.

Registering for disability services

Option 1

Complete the online registration form and submit your medical documentation and a staff member will contact you and discuss your needs on the phone or schedule a face-to-face meeting, whatever is most convenient for you.

NB: Please submit your medical documentation and confidentiality agreement with your online registration.

Option 2

Contact a Disability Advisor on your campus for a face-to-face appointment.

NB: Please bring your completed medical documentation and confidentiality agreement to your first meeting.

For your first appointment ensure you:

  1. Complete the Registration form (PDF 82KB) (DOC 216KB) or (online)  
  2. Complete the Confidentiality agreement (PDF 128KB) (DOC 197KB)
  3. Bring current supporting documentation from a relevant Health Practitioner that complies with the Documentary Evidence Guidelines (PDF 133KB) (DOC 215KB) and provide either:
    1. A comprehensive letter (on official letterhead) explaning the disability or medical condition, the impact on studies and recommendations on any services you require.

      OR
    2. Have your practitioner complete the Health practitioner's statement (PDF 156KB) (DOC 96KB)

Confidentiality

The Disability Advisors are bound by provisions of the Privacy Act, and will not release information without consent. If a student agrees to release information staff will only disclose as required.

Disability Advisors can act as a 'filter' for this information by verifying the disability and making recommendations to academic staff on the reasonable adjustments you require, without revealing details of the disability.

At the initial meeting you will be asked to complete a Confidentiality Agreement (PDF 46KB) (Word 217KB). This agreement will clarify what information can be disclosed and to whom.

Services available

Prospective students

Things for future students with a disability to consider:

  • Information you disclose about your disability cannot be used to deny you a place at La Trobe University
  • Discuss your support requirements with a Disability Advisor from the Equality and Diversity Centre before you apply
  • If you applied directly to the university (rather than via VTAC), ensure you have completed the Consideration of Disadvantage form alongside your application form
  • Access La Trobe provides information and advice on La Trobe University's special entry programs.

For general information on study at La Trobe go to the Future Students website.

Academic study support

Disability Advisors are able to provide information, support and referrals to students on managing academic study.

La Trobe University has Language and Academic Learning Units in each faculty and campus. Study advisors can work with you to improve your language and learning skills and assist you with assignments.  They can help with speaking, writing, reading, referencing and preparation for exams.

Adaptive equipment and technology

Assistive technology such as voice recognition, magnifying and literacy assistance software may be available on loan to eligible students.

A range of adaptive technology, software and equipment is also available at the University library.

The use of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, magnifiers etc., are available for students to borrow on a short term basis. Contact a Disability Advisor on your campus for further information.

Accessible course materials

Students with print disabilities (such as vision loss, dyslexia) may require reading material in alternative formats such as Braille, DAISY (digital talking book) large print, MP3, Text PDF etc. The conversion of reading material is a lengthy process and students are required to provide a minimum 4 weeks notice if this service is required.

Students must be registered with the Equality and Diversity Centre to use this service. If you have any queries, please contact a Disability Advisor.

Academic support workers

Some students may be eligible for academic support workers to undertake the following:

  • Auslan interpreting
  • Notetaking
  • Participation assistance in laboratories, library or lectures

Please read the Rights and Responsibilities of Students with Support Workers (PDF 172KB) (Word 217KB) document so you understand your obligations when utilising support staff.

Students must be registered with the Equality and Diversity Centre to use this service. If you have any queries, please contact a Disability Advisor.

Library services

Library staff can organise retrieval of items from shelves, arrangements for extended loan periods, accessible computer or assistance with enlargement of photocopies.

Students need to make arrangements in advance for additional assistance beyond the general help provided to all students from the service desks.

For more details on library services for people with a disability please check out the Library website.

Alternative assessment arrangements

Extensions on assignments

If a student is unable to complete assignments by the due date they need to apply for an official extension. Forms can be obtained from the Faculty or School Administrative office.

If you require regular or longer than normal extensions please contact your Disability Advisor for advice.

Changes to assignment methods

In some circumstances it may be necessary to seek changes in assignments in order to accommodate the impacts of a disability. This should be discussed with a Disability Advisor. Such changes must be negotiated with the relevant academic staff members.

Alternative examination arrangements

Adjustments to the normal examination arrangements to accommodate a disability should be discussed with a Disability Advisor. Adjustments could include additional time, use of a scribe or sitting in an alternative room.

Special consideration

Students can also apply for special consideration if illness or adverse circumstances have affected performance in assessments or examinations over the semester or if they are unable to sit an examination or submit an assessment.

Special Consideration forms are available from and should be lodged at the Student Administration Office. Please note that if accommodations have been made to adjust for a disability, then special consideration may not apply. Contact a Disability Advisor or Faculty Office for advice.

Adjustments to teaching

Academic staff can make reasonable adjustments to their teaching in order to include a student with a disability. Students need to notify the Equality and Diversity Centre of their needs as soon as possible so that academic staff can be informed of the best way to be inclusive of a student with a disability. Late notification may make it difficult for some adjustments to be made in a timely manner.

Physical access

Access to lecture theatres

Students have a right to be able to access lecture theatres and other areas of the university that are required for their academic study. Please notify staff as soon as possible to ensure that accessible venues are available for classes.

Maps are available.

Parking permits

Disability parking is available on all campuses, as indicated by signage. To access this parking you must display the relevant permit in compliance with the state-wide Disabled Persons' Parking scheme which operates in Victoria. If you are not eligible for such permits and you believe you have special circumstances please contact the Equality and Diversity Centre.

Information on specific conditions

Autism spectrum

Deafness and Hearing impairment

Vision impairment