Disability Rights on Campus

Disabilities Officers Margot Beavon-Collin and Sarah Korte talk you through your rights and options while studing

WHAT IS DISABILITY?

As defined by the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, disability refers to “long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.” It is important to note that this definition includes people who may not personally consider themselves as disabled or having a disability, such as people with mental, chronic, or terminal illnesses; people who are neurodivergent; and people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. 20% of people living in Australia are disabled. This figure is higher in groups with intersecting marginalised identities, due to factors such as lack of access to healthcare, socioeconomic conditions, and intergenerational trauma. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities the figure is 50%. LGBTQIA+ people also experience disproportionate levels of disability.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A DISABLED STUDENT

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (the Standards) enshrine in law the right of disabled students to access education and training ‘on the same basis’ as non-disabled students. The Standards apply to education providers. Universities can meet their obligations under the Standards by giving consideration to ‘reasonable adjustments’ to ensure that students with disability are provided with opportunities to participate in education and training on the same basis as students without disability. You have the right to: • Use an assistive device or mobility aid • Be accompanied by a carer, interpreter, reader or assistant • Be accompanied by a guide or hearing dog or other trained assistant animal • Access reasonable adjustments for lectures, tutorials, and assessments such as extensions or extra time, so that you are not disadvantaged by your disability • Access lecture materials in a format that you can understand • Seek redress for abuse or harassment on the basis of disability Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the DDA, and violations of the DDA are difficult to prosecute. Unlike other antidiscrimination legislation, the DDA has a clause for “unjustifiable hardship”, meaning that people and companies can be given an exception to discriminate in cases when not discriminating would result in “unjustifiable hardship”, such as high expense. Heritagelisted buildings are also granted exceptions to the law. If you experience ableist discrimination at the University of Sydney, you may find it useful to consult with the SRC legal service, which provides students with free legal advice, representation in court where relevant, and a referral service. RESOURCES

By Robin Eames; Adapted from 2018 Orientation Handbook SRC Disabilities Collective The Disabilities Collective is an autonomous collective for disabled undergraduate students. Contact the 2021 Office-bearers at disabilities.offiers@src.usyd.edu.au, or check out the Facebook page at @USYDdis.

Caregivers Network The Caregivers Network is an initiative for students who provide substantial informal caregiving support to friends or family who are disabled. Contact the disabilities officers for more information.

Disability Services Disability services is the main point of contact for accessing disability accommodations during your study. Some of the accommodations they can arrange include: • Assessment and exam adjustments, including extra time, smaller exam room, use of a computer • Timetable adjustments, including making sure that your lectures are close together, nearby to bus stops, or held in buildings which are wheelchair accessible or have hearing loop equipment • Alternative formatting • Access to assistive technology • Lecture support • Library services Contact Disability Services for more information and to register. Phone: +61 2 8627 5067 Email: disability.services@sydney.edu.au Address: Level 5, Jane Foss Russel Building G02 (lift accessible)

Faculty Disability Liaison Officer Each faculty or school has at least one Faculty Disability Liaison Officer who can provide quick advice which is specific to your learning environment. Find contact details for your support officer on the USyd Website.

SUPRA Equity network The Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association has a number of equity networks, one of which is the Network for Students Living with a Disability. Contact them at disability@supra. usyd.edu.au

Disability Inclusion Week Every year the university hosts a Disability Inclusion week which features workshops, accessibility initiatives, social events, lectures, lunches, and more.