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Support for Teachers

This information is available to download in a word document - Support for Teachers of Students with Disabilities.

Students with disabilities may confront limitations, but with planning and inclusive practices, their difficulties can be minimised. Assistance from all staff members is vital if students are to participate fully in class activities.

Please feel free to contact our service for further information.

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The Role of Disability Services in Selection

Regardless of any disability, all applicants must be measured against the selection criteria. However, the means of measuring the criteria may need to be adapted to truly reflect the student's ability. The selection officer is not required to make these decisions alone, and advice can be sought from the Disability Services.

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Establishing Reasonable Adjustments

According to the Disability Discrimination Act, "...it is unlawful for an educational authority to discriminate against a student on the grounds of the student's disability." If a student satisfies the entrance requirements for a course, therefore, 'reasonable adjustments' must be made to enable that student to complete the course.

Disability Liaison Officers meet with each student to determine and co-ordinate support needs. The specific course structure is considered and the teachers are usually an integral part of this planning process.

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Individual Access Plans

Individual Access Plans are available for every student registered with the service. These reports explain how the disabilities impact on studies, support arrangements in place, ideal teaching strategies and recommend alternative assessment arrangements. These are distributed to Program Coordinators and Unit Convenors in each department and are also available from the Disability Services upon request.

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Swinburne's Discipline Policy

Swinburne's discipline policy is applied to all students. If the nature of a person's disability is related to the misconduct, the Disability Services is available to advise and mediate. If students engage in inappropriate behavior due to a health related problem and are excluded, a doctor's certificate is required certifying that they are in a stable condition before returning to study.

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Services we can Provide for Staff

Confidential advice on any general or specific concerns relating to students with disabilities, general anti-discriminatory practices or disability support staff.

Mediation for the resolution of disability related concerns.

Teaching strategies for teachers of students with specific disabilities and needs. These information sheets explore best teaching practices to accommodate disabilities. These are regularly updated and available from the staff section of this website.

Support staff to assist students to participate in their education. Services include notetaking, scribing, reading, out-of-class tutoring, participation assistance and sign language interpreting:

Roles and responsibilities of support staff in the classroom.

Alternative assessment recommendations are designed to allow students the opportunity to demonstrate competence without the barriers posed by their disability. Disability Liaison Officers assess the required adjustments based on medical documentation and negotiate suitable arrangements with students and teachers. Formal reports are then made available to all relevant staff.

Organising access such as suitable facilities, classroom layout, alternative formats for course textbooks, specialized software and computers.

Staff development presentations in managing diversity, anti-discrimination and other disability related issues.

Swinburne staff can help you manage the diverse needs of students by informing you of the issues and concerns experienced in their courses and classrooms.

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