Disability Support and Accommodation Policy

Document Title: Disability Support and Accommodation Policy

Document Number: DSA-001

Effective Date: June 8, 2024

Review Date: June 8, 2025

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the support services and accommodations provided by Rosehill College to students with disabilities. This policy ensures that all students have equal access to educational opportunities and are supported in achieving their academic goals in compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all students with disabilities enrolled at Rosehill College, including both domestic and international students. It encompasses all support services, reasonable adjustments, and accommodations provided by the college.

3. Policy Statements

3.1 Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

  • Equal Access: Rosehill College is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment that ensures equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
  • Confidentiality: All information related to a student’s disability is kept confidential and used solely to facilitate appropriate accommodations.
  • Supportive Environment: The college fosters a supportive environment that respects the rights and dignity of students with disabilities.

3.2 Identifying Needs and Planning Support

  • Disclosure and Assessment: Students are encouraged to disclose their disability upon enrollment or as soon as possible. A formal assessment of their needs will be conducted to determine the required support and accommodations.
  • Individual Support Plan: An Individual Support Plan (ISP) is developed in collaboration with the student, outlining specific adjustments and accommodations needed to support their learning.

3.3 Reasonable Adjustments and Accommodations

  • Academic Adjustments: May include alternative formats for learning materials, extended time for assessments, note-taking assistance, and modified assignments.
  • Physical Accommodations: May include accessible classrooms, adaptive technology, and other physical modifications to the learning environment.
  • Exam Accommodations: May include extra time, separate rooms, or assistive technology during exams and assessments.
  • Support Services: Access to counseling, academic support, and assistive technology.

3.4 Coordination and Communication

  • Student Service Officer: Acts as the primary contact for coordinating disability support and accommodations. Contact details:
  • Collaboration with Faculty: The Student Service Officer collaborates with faculty members to ensure that the necessary accommodations are implemented effectively.

4. Procedures

4.1 Applying for Disability Support

  1. Disclosure of Disability:
    • Students disclose their disability during enrollment or by contacting the Student Service Officer at any time.
  2. Initial Assessment:
    • An assessment is conducted to identify the student’s needs and the required accommodations. Documentation or medical evidence may be requested to support the assessment.
  3. Developing an Individual Support Plan:
    • The Student Service Officer works with the student to develop an ISP, outlining the specific adjustments and accommodations required.
  4. Implementation:
    • The ISP is communicated to relevant faculty and administrative staff to ensure the accommodations are implemented.

4.2 Accessing Support Services

  1. Contact the Student Service Officer:
    • Students can reach out to the Student Service Officer for assistance with accessing support services or accommodations.
  2. Adjustments and Accommodations:
    • The Student Service Officer coordinates the implementation of adjustments and accommodations as per the ISP.
  3. Ongoing Monitoring:
    • The ISP is reviewed regularly, and adjustments are made as needed based on feedback from the student and faculty.

4.3 Appeals and Complaints

  1. Addressing Issues:
    • If a student feels that their needs are not being met, they can discuss their concerns with the Student Service Officer.
  2. Formal Appeals:
    • If the issue is not resolved, students can submit a formal appeal using the college’s Complaints and Appeals Policy.
  3. Resolution:
    • The college ensures a fair and timely resolution of all complaints and appeals regarding disability support and accommodations.

5. Responsibilities

  • Student Service Officer:
    • Conduct initial assessments and develop ISPs.
    • Coordinate the implementation of accommodations and adjustments.
    • Act as a liaison between students and faculty.
  • Faculty Members:
    • Implement the accommodations and adjustments as outlined in the ISP.
    • Provide feedback on the effectiveness of the accommodations.
  • Administration Staff:
    • Maintain records of ISPs and support services provided.
    • Ensure compliance with privacy and confidentiality requirements.

6. Review Compliance

  • Monthly Review: Disability support services are reviewed monthly in the RTO Management Meeting.
  • Governance Schedule: Services are reviewed as per the Governance Schedule to ensure continuous improvement.
  • Annual Review: Conduct an annual review using feedback from students and staff to enhance the effectiveness of disability support services.

7. Document Control

  • Version Number: V1.1
  • Approved By: CEO
  • Approval Date: June 8, 2024
  • Review Date: June 8, 2025