Accessibility help is available while you study online
Has the move to online study raised some unexpected learning barriers that you didn’t expect? For example, you may be finding it challenging to study remotely and manage a learning difficulty like dyslexia. Or perhaps you have a mental health condition that is harder to manage during the COVID-19 situation?
Deakin’s Disability Resource Centre (DRC) supports the University community to be more inclusive of, and provide adjustments for, students for whom a disability, health or mental health condition affects their access to education. We currently work with more than 3100 students to help them get the most out of their Deakin experience.
A disability or barrier can be experienced as a result of a wide range of conditions, and may include students who are carers for a person with disability.
Our services are available even while you’re studying online. Read on to learn about what’s happening at the DRC during this time and how to contact us for more information.
I’m already registered with the DRC – what’s changed?
Access Plans
If you’re registered with us, you’ll have an Access Plan that recommends adjustments to minimise any disadvantage and to help you participate in your learning.
As you study online, you may discover some new access challenges. Your disability liaison officer is available to help you find a solution to any issues, so contact them for help.
Note-taking
All note-takers are providing note-taking support remotely from your Cloud Deakin unit sites.
Accessible materials
Online options for Deaf students include remote video interpreting (where an Auslan interpreter joins a session remotely) or remote live captioning. We’ll work with you to consider the best option, depending on the course/unit, platform and mode of delivery, so chat to your disability liaison officer if any changes are needed.
Captioning and transcription services continue, although you may notice some delays due to the changes to unit sites.
Assessment and exams
No exams will be held at either Deakin or external exam venues for Trimester 1, 2020. Most exams will be replaced by online assessment tasks that you’ll complete at a designated time during the examination period. If your unit was scheduled to have a final exam, information about the replacement task will be published on your unit site.
If you have a current Access Plan, exam adjustments that appear on your Access Plan will be adapted and applied to your exam replacement task where relevant. You will not receive an updated Access Plan, but you will receive information about your adjustments via your Deakin student email address.
A timetable for exam replacement tasks will be released via StudentConnect as usual. Make sure you also check your Deakin student email for information about your adjustments for your Trimester 1 2020 exam replacement task in the weeks following timetable release.
I’m not registered with the DRC – how do I access support?
The best first step is to visit the DRC website, which explains what kind of help we offer and who may be eligible. Even if you think the service doesn’t apply to you, learning about the range of help on offer may highlight that there is assistance available you hadn’t even considered.
The DRC is also available for general enquiries and appointments from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Call 9244 6255 or email [email protected].
Once you know more about what’s on offer, you can apply for assistance by completing the online Request support form. Supporting documentation from a health professional is required, including:
- information on your condition
- whether the condition is permanent, ongoing or temporary
- how your study may be affected
- if you have a learning disability, a report from a psychologist or other qualified professional.
Once we’ve received this registration information, we’ll contact you for a phone interview and take things from there.
What other help is available?
- Your unit chairs are a great source of help and information, so contact them to discuss how you can get the most out of studying online.
- Check out the huge range of online study support, ranging from assignment help to referencing guides.
- If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed about studying online, contact our Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS) team for a free and confidential appointment with one of our highly skilled psychologists and social workers.