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19 July 2024

If you have a condition that impacts your studies, help is available

Navigating uni can be challenging at times, and for students with disability, medical or mental health conditions, it can be even more complex.

At Deakin, we understand the importance of inclusivity and accessibility for all our students. That’s why we have the Disability Resource Centre (DRC), a dedicated service designed to empower and support students with a wide range of disabilities, conditions, and circumstances.

Here, Edis Celhaka, a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) at the DRC, provides answers to some of the most commonly asked queries about what the DRC does, what DLOs do, and whether you may be eligible for support via the DRC. Take a look and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions!

Am I eligible to register with the DRC?

The answer is simple: Any student managing a disability, medical or mental health condition that is impacting their university life is eligible. These disabilities and conditions may include (but are not limited to) the examples listed on the DRC Eligibility for Support webpage.

We recognise that the support system around a student plays a crucial role in their success, thus carers of people with disabilities are also eligible to register. If you are unsure of your eligibility to access the services, contact the DRC for an initial chat.

What is the role of a Disability Liaison Officer?

DLOs are dedicated professionals within the University community who have a crucial role in ensuring that students with disabilities or medical conditions can fully participate in all aspects of university life.

Our incredible DLOs are here to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can flourish academically and beyond.

Our team comes from diverse backgrounds such as social work, speech pathology, education, occupational therapy, psychology, disability studies, and more. Such interdisciplinary perspective enables us with a broader understanding of a student’s wellbeing, such as physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as academic needs.

How do I register?

You can register for support via the DRC website. If you are eligible, you’ll be contacted to book an appointment with a DLO. To streamline the process, we recommend attaching supporting documentation outlining your disability or medical condition to your initial application.

Following the appointment, an Access Plan will be generated and sent to your Deakin email address. Your unit chairs will receive a copy of your Access Plan each trimester, and you can request revisions as needed. Find out more about preparing for an appointment and Access Plans via the Request disability support webpage.

Do I have to tell anyone I am registered with the DRC, or will it impact my enrolment?

We understand some students may have concerns about privacy, confidentiality, and the potential impact of registering for support services on their academic journey. Your wellbeing and success are our top priorities. We want to assure that student privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us, and our DLOs adhere to strict protocols to ensure that your information is only shared on a need-to-know basis.

Your medical documentation is kept private to the DRC staff, while only relevant information related to adjustments or strategies is accessible to the individuals directly involved in providing you with the appropriate support.

What do other students say about the DRC?

Latest data drawn from student feedback clearly demonstrates the high satisfaction and an overall positive student experience, with a 96% recommendation rating from fellow students!

Get in touch today

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or the services offered by the DRC, we encourage you to reach out for an initial chat. Our team is here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and assist you in taking the first steps toward accessing the useful support, tools and strategies.



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