Disclosure in Tafe and Uni

Disclosure is a dilemma most students with a disability face. Many people believe that the number of students with a disability in TAFE and University may be somewhat higher than the official statistics suggest because students may be reluctant to disclose their condition fearing that others may treat them differently or see the illness / condition rather than the individual.

Community acceptance and awareness of disability is improving and Universities and TAFE Institutes are generally committed to promoting an environment where diversity and difference are both valued and respected. Many have established Disability Action Plans in which specific targets have been set to increase participation rates of people with a disability in their courses and also to address issues such as improving physical access to buildings and support services for students with a disability.

In a University or TAFE environment confidentiality is taken very seriously. University / TAFE staff should tell you if they are planning to tell anyone else about your disability and why. For example, the Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) on your campus may inform the Faculty or Department that you are registered with them to ensure that you are eligible for Alternate Exam Arrangements. By registering with the DLU you can ensure that the exact nature of your individual needs is kept confidential, yet you are still able to receive appropriate accommodations.

It is important to realise that you are not in any way obliged to disclose your disability. However, if you choose not to do so, the staff of the University / TAFE will not be able to meet your specific needs if they have not been informed of them. It is also important to think about what you want to achieve by disclosing and who you want to disclose your disability to.

Enrolment

Most Universities and TAFE Institutes ask a disability related question on their enrolment forms. This information is used to assist with appropriate planning and budgeting for the supports needed to help students with a disability throughout their course. Statistics are sent to the relevant Government bodies but you are not identified in any way as having a disability in any of the University / TAFE administrative functions.

Disability Liaison Unit (DLU)

To register with the DLU you are required to provide current documentation from a relevant health professional to substantiate your disability. At the DLU you can control who is contacted and what they are contacted about. The DLU can liaise on your behalf with staff across the University to ensure that appropriate academic adjustments are implemented. Disclosure with the DLU may enable you to apply for alternative exam arrangements and can be useful to help you to plan for and manage situations that may impact on your studies.  For more information on the DLU click  here .

Teaching staff

You can at any time disclose the nature and impact of your disability with individual teaching staff. University / TAFE staff members are generally very responsive to the needs of students with a disability and will provide what assistance they can. It is important to note that most accommodations cannot be implemented without medical documentation and some cannot be implemented without first being registered with the DLU.

Counselling

Counselling staff are available to discuss any issue that may be of concern to students with a disability. All consultations with counsellors are confidential. Counsellors may provide some liaison with academic staff but will generally refer students to the DLU for a full range of services.

For further information on disclosure refer to the web based resource, "Choosing Your Path.  Disclosure:  It's A Personal Decision" .

This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National Disability Coordination Officer Program. The views expressed in these materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.