Seeking Reasonable Adjustments from the Disability Liaison Unit

Please read the following steps to assist you negotiate reasonable adjustments in your studies here at Monash University. All adjustments are arranged in consultation with a Disability Liaison Officer.

1. Contact the Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) & provide documentation.

Students must have a disability defined in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, be actively enrolled in an award course at Monash University and be willing to produce their student ID card as proof. Students must register with the DLU to access appropriate services.  Registration involves the provision of specific documentation.

The University's request for this information is in compliance with the minimum standards and operational guidelines as outlined in the 'Students with Disabilities: Code of Practice for Australian Tertiary Institutions (1998) ':

F8  'An institution requires students where necessary to demonstrate or supply certification of the functional limitations of their disability as a basis for requesting reasonable adjustments '.

B1.7  'The student has a responsibility to: provide information which assists institutions in the timely planning and implementation of appropriate services by ':

• Making early contact with disability services providers in the institution
• Notifying and verifying their requirements to the extent necessary to ensure an appropriate institutional response.
• Being proactive in advising institutions of the difficulties they encounter in accessing aspects of the life of the institution and how to overcome those difficulties.

The student should provide relevant, current documentation from a qualified professional who has comprehensive training and experience in the particular field of disability or health profession. eg. Medical Specialist, Psychiatrist, General Practitioner, Educational Psychologist.
The documentation should be:

• Written or typed on letterhead, dated, signed, legible.
• Comprehensive in relation to the relevant disability - see attached guidelines for the information required.

It is not appropriate for students to provide documentation from professionals who are members of their family or where there is any personal or business relationship.

2. Arrange an appointment

Contact the DLU: If you cannot meet a Disability Liaison Officer in person, a phone appointment can be arranged. The initial meeting may take up to 1 hour.

3. Conduct initial meeting.

• Discuss your disability/medical condition and its impact on your ability to access education.
• Discuss your requirements.
• The DLU will explore services available which may assist you to access learning.
• Agree on timeframe at which services are to be provided with aims to promote access and equity that enable you to participate as independently as possible in all educational activities.

There is no guarantee that the DLU will be able to provide students with services, however every attempt will be made to provide reasonable adjustments that are appropriate to your individual requirements.

Any information disclosed to the Disability Liaison Unit will remain confidential and will only be released with the student's permission.

4. Review of Services

It is the responsibility of the student to provide the DLU with feedback on the services received, if there are any concerns over the level and quality of services provided.