Do you have a learning barrier? Student and disability advocate Mairead has some great advice
Are you managing a long-term disability or learning barrier that affects your study? Perhaps you’re dealing with a temporary disability or injury, or you care for someone with disability. You’re among thousands of students at Deakin who face challenges when accessing physical spaces, communicating, participating in social activities or performing certain tasks.
As the end-of-unit assessment period approaches, you should know about the accessibility and inclusion support that’s available at Deakin. Much of this is quick and easy to access, while some requires a more formal application process. And who better to tell you about it than a current student with disability who is passionate about creating accessibility for all?
Mairead Foley is studying a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Disability and Exercise. She’s a DUSA Student Council Member, a student liaison with the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) who helps with extensions, and a co-founder of the Deakin Disability Neurodivergency Association (DDNA).
Mairead, who is deaf and occasionally signs in AUSLAN, also has ADHD, which she says ‘impacts my ability to study – not just my concentration but also sometimes to access communication and lectures’.
Mairead’s top tips for accessing help
Speak to your unit chair or lecturer
‘A lot of students feel apprehensive – the title “unit chair” feels a bit scary, but they’re there to help you. Emailing is an easy and stress-free way of checking in with any questions or requirements you might have. Most are happy to have a Zoom call or quick chat after class. Having that relationship makes it easier down the line to ask for help, especially when it comes to end-of-unit assessments, where you’re already stressing. When I was struggling, I got extra content support like Zoom calls to catch up on the classes I missed.’
Connect with other students
‘Meeting other students with disability helped me get an ADHD diagnosis, as I realised some of my concentration behaviour issues weren’t normal. A lot of people come to the DDNA asking for help requesting extensions or special consideration, which can be quite daunting. Talking to another student who’s had that experience beforehand can ease the anxiety. And knowing you’re not alone – we do have a community – makes it a lot easier.’
Use the discussion boards
‘It’s daunting to put a question on the discussion board; it’s usually this desolate place until one person decides to put one message and then everyone’s like, “Ooh, I have a question too”! You can post anonymously and I love that feature. Often there will be other students who have thought the same thing and are just waiting for the question to pop up.’
Access assistive technology
Assistive technology is for everyone and it’s awesome! It can be as simple as software that makes words bigger on the screen. I use transcription software because I’m hard of hearing, but I also have concentration issues (and lectures can get pretty boring at times!). It can be voice-to-text – not everyone has the patience to type things; sometimes your hands might get tired. It can be text-to-voice if you don’t have the concentration to read large slabs of text. It can even be ChatGPT, which you wouldn’t associate as assistive technology. One of my favourite things is to ask ChatGPT to summarise an article – it probably reduces your reading time from about eight minutes down to two. It’s the best assistive technology!
Ask for help
You’re not alone at university. Having a study buddy is a great way to make it a less serious environment. Reach out and let people know you’re struggling. If your situation has gotten really bad, I definitely recommend contacting support systems. Our ADHD support groups and NAVIGATE help you keep on track with your studies and learn better coping mechanisms, especially if you’re neurodivergent. We have the Deakin Medical Centre, as well as student advocacy from SSAS, run by DUSA. They’re great if you need help quickly but might not have time to go through a DRC application process.
How to get formal, long-term support
The Disability Resource Centre works with Deakin students, and supports the University community to be more inclusive and provide adjustments where required.
Examples of DRC support include helping you to communicate your needs to academic staff, EoUA adjustments, study materials and assessments in accessible formats, assistive technology, and specialised support such as AUSLAN interpreters and access to software. See what help is available and how to apply. Supporting documentation from a health professional is usually required to explain your needs.