Neurodivergent Survival Guide

Flinders University Student Association

Acknowledgment of Country

Flinders University acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located. These are the Traditional Lands of the Arrernte, Dagoman, First Nations of the South East, First Peoples of the River Murray & Mallee region, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Warumungu, Wardaman and Yolngu people.

We honour their Elders past, present and emerging.

Contents 01/ Introduction 02/ Organising Adjustments 05/ Support Services 04/ Spaces at Flinders

Introduction

This document was created as a helpful guide for neurodivergent students at Flinders University. It provides an overview of the relevant supports available to students, and answers many frequently answered questions. Information is included on disability access plans, neurodiversity-affirming student spaces, and additional supports and services.

This document was created by 2024 FUSA Disabilities Officer Ayisha Fearnside and the Flinders Neurodivergent Study Support and Advocacy club, in consultation with the Flinders University Health, Counselling and Disability team.

01

Organising Adjustments

Adjustments at Flinders are provided through the disability access plan system. A disability access plan (DAP) is a document you can provide to your topic coordinators that formally outlines your requested accommodations. It is personalised to your specific needs. Any current Flinders Uni, Foundations or Open University students who have a Disability, Medical Condition, Mental Health Condition, Learning Difficulty or are the Carer of a person with a Disability are eligible for a DAP.

1

Download the disability verification form under ‘Access Plans’ by scanning the QR code:

3

Make an appointment also through the QR code below, uploading any relevant forms/letters verifying your disability.

2

Get the disability verification form filled out by a health practitioner. This should be a practitioner who has already seen you and who is relevant to your condition/s (for example, your usual GP). Note that specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dyscalculia may require additional documents – refer to the Disability Services site for further details.

4

Use your appointment to ask questions, get advice, and decide with your disability advisor what adjustments are right for you. Your DAP will be emailed to you after the appointment.

02

Using your DAP:

You will need to send your DAP to your topic coordinators at the beginning of each semester. Make sure to send your DAP to your topic coordinators at least 5 weeks before the next exam that you want to use it for to ensure your accommodations can be fulfilled.

Flinders University’s Disability Policy states that “Wherever practicable, reasonable adjustments to a usual policy, practice, work or study environment, conditions of work, teaching methods, or mode or method of assessment will be made to meet the needs of a person with a disability.”

It is expected that teaching staff will treat you with respect in conversations surrounding your needs and provide you with reasonable adjustments to policies and requirements. If you ever feel this is not the case, you can reach out to your college’s disability advisor (see page 5).

Common supports include:

-Extra time on exams: This is generally an extra 10 minutes per hour of exam time.

-Change of exam venue: You can sit exams in a smaller, quieter room away from the main body of students.

-Extensions on assignments: In most cases, a DAP can entitle you to a 7-day extension with no further documentation required. You still need to apply for an extension ahead of the deadline.

Note that there are many more options than can be listed here. Accommodations can vary greatly depending on the individual, the course and the college. Your health practitioner will be able to recommend adjustments in their form or letter, and your disability advisor may be able to make suggestions. You may also find it beneficial to discuss accommodations with other students who have the same or similar challenges to you.

03

Spaces at Flinders

Sensory Space

Sensory regulation spaces are available at the Central and Sturt Libraries. These spaces contain a variety of seating options, dimmed adjustable lighting and fidgets to help you rest and regulate between classes.

Bedford Park: Level 1, Central Library, study room 1.7

Sturt Campus: Level 3, Sturt Library, room L346

Opening Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

Disabilities Space

Also on the first floor of Central Library, the Disabilities Space is a community space dedicated to students with disabilities.

Bedford Park: Ground floor, Central Library

Opening Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

Support Services

College Disability Academic Advisors (CDAAs)

CDAAs act as a point of contact and information for students with disabilities and for academic staff who need to clarify issues relating to reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

students.flinders.edu.au/support/hcd

FUSA Disabilities Officer

The Disabilities Officer is a member of the FUSA Student Council. They can be contacted with general inquiries about disability at Flinders, and specific concerns/issues requiring advocacy at a staff and executive level. They can be contacted at:

disabilities.officer@flinders.edu.au.

Flinders Neurodivergent Study Support and Advocacy (FNSSA)

FNSSA is a club run by neurodivergent students for neurodivergent students. They can be contacted via flindersnd@gmail.com or through their active facebook group: facebook.com/groups/952396632034182

Health, Counselling and Disability Services (HCDS)

HCDS offers a broad range of services to students and staff beyond the provision of access plans. These include bulk-billed medical services, free counselling for students (including online and part-time) and a variety of wellbeing programs:

students.flinders.edu.au/support/hcd