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Definition
"Disability is part of the human condition, and a complex and evolving concept. UNSW understands disability as resulting from the interaction between people’s impairments, and the attitudinal or environmental barriers that hinder their flourishing and their participation in society on an equal basis. It can include people with short term or fluctuating conditions that may be hidden or visible.
While this is UNSW’s definition, it is important to note that disability under Australian law is defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), federal legislation that protects people with disability in Australia from all forms of discrimination" (EDI & DEE, 2022).
Neurodiversity
“Although there is broad diversity across the population, some individuals have neurological variations that make it particularly challenging for their communication, self-expression and interactions with others. Neurodivergence is a broad umbrella and is not just autism. Neurological variations can include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and tics” (Neurodiversity Hub, n.d.).
Permanent, Temporary and Situational Disability
Most people will experience some form of disability at some stage of their life. It may be temporary or long-term (Australian Department of Social Services, n.d.). Disability in an economic framework includes any restriction to daily activities, or a lower ability to perform work and sustain sufficient income, which includes contextual factors (Giannoccolo & Platoni, 2023; Ward et. al., 2017). It is within this framework that we can consider the ways in which students may be impacted when at university.
Students with temporary or contextual disabilities may be eligible for extensions or other supports. Check the Equitable Learning Services link for more information.
Below are a range of services to support students with disabilities.
If you are looking for information, training or research, please use our inclusive resource database linked here.
Please contact [email protected] if you have any link recommendations.
Equitable Learning Services
Equitable Learning Services is a free and confidential service that provides practical support to ensure students mental or physical health conditions do not adversely affect their studies.
Students with Disabilities Collective
The Students with Disabilities Collective is a group led by the SRC Students with Disabilities Officer for all disabled UNSW students, including people living with mental health conditions, neurodivergent people, and those with a cognitive, intellectual or physical disability.
Diversified
Diversified is a collective of neurodivergent students, staff, and educators at UNSW dedicated to improving the lives of neurodivergent individuals in our community and beyond. Our mission is to ensure that neurodivergent people are central to the conversation and decisions that impact them.
Neurodiverse Inclusive Teaching Toolkit
The Toolkit offers practical tools to help educators understand the experiences of neurodivergent students and implement teaching strategies that foster engagement, accessibility and success. By engaging with this resources, you're taking an important step toward creating a classroom culture where all students can thrive.
References
Australian Department of Social Services. (n.d.). Address Access Barriers. Disability Gateway. https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/address-access-barriers
Giannoccolo, P., & Platoni, S. (2023). Temporary versus permanent disability: A dynamic incentives model. Metroeconomica, 74(4), 698–721. https://doi.org/10.1111/meca.12429
Neurodiversity Hub. (n.d.). Home Page. Neurodiversity Hub. https://www.neurodiversityhub.org/
Ward, A. F., Duke, K., Gneezy, A., & Bos, M. W. (2017). Brain drain: The mere presence of one’s own smartphone reduces available cognitive capacity. Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, 2, 140–154. https://doi.org/10.1086/691462
