Disability Services / Services

Assistance and services for students with a disability

To access services and supports available to eligible students contact Disability Services and make a registration appointment.

During the appointment the Disability Service Officer will discuss your needs and the kinds of adjustments and services available to you. Depending on your circumstances these may include:

Access provisions for students with physical disabilities

For students with mobility impairments, which may cause difficulty in accessing buildings, it is important that the location of classes in a timetable are checked prior to the start of semester. A student has access to his/her personal timetable from the Student Centre (Camperdown campus), Student Administration (Cumberland campus) or online a few weeks before the start of semester. If a class is located in a non-accessible location contact should be made as soon as possible with Disability Services to arrange for a class in an accessible location.

Other obstructions to access, such as blocked footpaths etc, can be brought to the attention of the Campus Property and Services on Camperdown campus or the Disability Services Officer on Cumberland campus.

A transport pick-up service is available on Camperdown campus for students with mobility difficulties. Students need to be approved for this service via consultation with a Disability Services Officer, and be provided with a Disability Services Card. Students then contact Security and provide their name, student ID, contact number, pick-up time and location. Students will need to show their Disability Services Card upon pick-up.

The USYD Online Access Map (OAM) has detailed information on physical access across the University, including tactile maps, wheelchair access, designated disabled parking bays, and accessible toilets.

Applying to Discontine Not Fail (DNF)

Students registered (or who are eligible to register) with Disability Services can seek to Discontinue Not Fail (DNF) from a subject should there be a need to withdraw after the census date of 31 March for Semester 1 and 31 August for Semester 2. To be considered for a DNF a student needs to:

  • make an appointment with a Disability Services Officer
  • provide detailed medical documentation that states the nature and effect of their condition, how this changed after the census date, and how their ability to continue with study has been affected
  • provide a written request addressed to the relevant faculty requesting to DNF from a particular subject/s

Disability Services then sends a recommendation to the appropriate faculty/department.

Once a DNF has been approved, the faculty/department will notify the student directly. The student then has up to 12 months to apply for a refund of course fees or remission of HECS debt through the Student Centre. To apply for a refund of course fees or remission of HECS debt a student needs to:

  • submit the relevant application form to the Student Centre
  • include a copy of the medical documentation and a copy of the letter of recommendation from Disability Services (this will be provided to a student at the time of their appointment with a Disability Services Officer).

Assignment extensions

An assignment extension may be requested when a student is unable to complete an assignment on time, due to the effects of his or her condition for which they are registered with Disability Services. The decision to grant the assignment extensions lies with the lecturer.

A student requiring an assignment extension must complete the online Request for Assignment Extension Form 3 days prior to the due date of the assignment. Note - Cumberland students must submit the hardcopy form available below, and should not use the online request form.

Students who cannot access the online form, can obtain a hardcopy from the Disability Services Administrative Assistant on Camperdown Campus and the Student Services Administrative Assistant on Cumberland Campus respectively and requires the student to provide the following information:

  • student name, SID and contact details
  • the name and code of the unit of study
  • the due date of the assignment
  • the name of the lecturer/marker of the assignment
  • brief reasoning behind the need for extended time on the assignment

A student is not required to submit an application for Special Consideration when requesting an assignment extension through Disability Services. On receipt of a request for an extension, Disability Services send a letter of extension request to the lecturer directly.

Submit online request for Assignment Extension or Download Microsoft Word version of Request for Assignment Extension Form

Assistive technology

Detailed information about the assistive technology available at the university is found here.

Exam adjustments

The University of Sydney provides exam adjustments for eligible students who are registered with Disability Services. Registered students may apply for adjustments for both in-department and formal University exams through Disability Services.

The adjustments students receive is based on the medical documentation provided, discussions with the student, academic staff and the most appropriate form of assistance necessary to reduce the impact of the disability without compromising the academic integrity of the course.

Some examples of exam adjustments include:

  • Extra time for resting/writing (+ 10 min per hour)
  • Bite size food/drink and permission to use glucometer
  • Reader (+ 20 minutes per hour)
  • Amanuensis / Scribe (+20 minutes per hour)
  • Large print and/or coloured exam paper
  • Sloping desk surface
  • Personal computer (PC or Mac)
  • Toilet / Rest breaks
  • Permission to move about/exercise
  • Seating in front or back of room
  • Special lighting
  • Ergonomic or other furniture

Departmental Exams

Individual Departments are responsible for any mid semester exams and some end-of-semester exams listed as “in-department”. The exception is on the Cumberland campus where the Exams Branch, Student Administration, organise Faculty of Health in-department exams.

If you are eligible, submit the online request form at least TWO WEEKS BEFORE the exam date. Note - Cumberland students must submit the hardcopy form available below, and should not use the online request form.

You will need to supply the following details:

  • date, time and location of exam
  • duration of exam
  • name and subject code of unit
  • name of lecturer and department

Disability Services will then organise a letter of request to the department on your behalf.

You must check with teaching staff (or Exams Branch at Cumberland) at least ONE WEEK PRIOR to the exam to ensure arrangements have been made and to receive any instructions.

Submit online request for In-Department Exam Adjustments or Download Microsoft Word version of Request for In-department Exam Form

Formal Exams

Exam adjustments for formal exams are arranged by the Examinations Office, following advice from Disability Services.

If eligible you must apply for exam adjustments before the advertised cut–off date (usually TWO WEEKS AFTER the Draft Exam Timetable is released). This application form can be completed at Disability Services.

The Exams Office will send you an email with confirmation. You must check the details and immediately report any inaccuracies to Disability Services. We recommend that you print the email and retain a copy for your reference on the day of the exam.

If you are receiving separate supervision and for any reason cannot attend the scheduled exam it is essential that you notify Disability Services as soon as possible.

Please note: It is YOUR responsibility to CHECK the details of all exam correspondence and to arrive at the exam on time

Letter of introduction

Following registration students may choose to have Disability Services provide a letter of introduction, which contains advice on the impacts of their condition and recommendations for adjustments. This letter can be a useful tool for alerting academic staff of the student’s need, in particular if the condition is ongoing and fluctuating.

It is recommended to notify academic staff at the beginning of each semester. Students can decide if they would like to distribute the introductory letters to academic staff directly, or if preferred, Disability Services can forward the correspondence. When distributing the letter themselves, it is recommended that students make an appointment during a consultation period time, or approach staff discreetly at the end of a lecture/tutorial.

Students will also be provided with the contact details for the Student Disability Liaison Officer in their faculty and encouraged to contact them should there be any specific faculty concerns.

Library Support Services

Both the Fisher and the Health Sciences Library currently offer the following services to students registered with Disability Services:

  • extended Loans
  • location of books for students with vision impairment/ mobility impairment
  • photocopying of articles for students with vision impairment/ mobility impairment
  • use of a trolley for students unable to carry books
  • assistance with using electronic information sources and relevant resources

Students who are eligible for library services need to obtain a Disability Services Card. Eligibility will be determined at an appointment with a Disability Services Officer. Students should present this card when requesting services from the relevant library support staff.

Library Information

Loan of equipment

Recording devices, ergonomic furniture, assistive technology and other equipment are available to students eligible for these services. Students must be assessed for eligibility via consultation with a Disability Services Officer.

Lockers

At the Camperdown Campus, the USYD Union provides free lockers to eligible students with disabilities, however these are limited so students should organise these early in the semester.

Students who are eligible for a locker need to obtain a Disability Services Card. Eligibility will be determined at an appointment with a Disability Services Officer.

The location of the lockers at the Camperdown Campus:

The Cubby
Level 4, Wentworth Building.

On the Cumberland Campus, free lockers are available for the use of eligible students with a disability in S Block. It is the student’s responsibility to provide a lock for his/her locker, to notify the Disability Services Officer of his/her locker number and to clear out his/her locker at the end of each academic year.

Notetaking Services

The Peer Notetaking Service provides for eligible students to receive electronic copies of lecture notes. Lecture notes are recorded, scanned and emailed to the student, and the note recipient is not disclosed to the notetaker.

The Disability Services Officer determines a student’s eligibility to receive notetaking. The assessment of eligibility for notetaking is based on the impact of the person’s disability on their ability to effectively take notes for at least one-hour. Overall, notetaking is only provided to students whose disability prevents them from:

  • writing legibly for a significant period of time, or writing without moderate to severe pain
  • hearing the majority of the lecture with any certainty
  • seeing information displayed visually i.e. overhead slides and chalkboard, or from
  • seeing their own notes as they are written down

Additionally, notetaking is not available when comprehensive notes are available from another source (i.e. online, lecturer), or when the Disability Services Officer has determined that a tape recorder provides sufficient assistance.

The use of the notetaking service also depends on the structure and format of lectures, for example, if a lecture is a seminar style with large amounts of discussion, notetaking may not be appropriate.

Parking

Parking in disabled parking bays
Students wishing to park in marked disabled parking bays require current valid Road Transport Authority (RTA) Mobility Parking Permit. Application forms can be obtained from Disability Services, the University Health Service, and RTA offices. Application forms are also available online.

Mobility parking scheme online application
A valid RTA Mobility Parking Permit authorises permit holders to park free of charge in marked disabled parking bays and in any other unrestricted parking bay. An RTA Mobility Parking Permit DOES NOT guarantee a vacant disabled parking bay and DOES NOT give students or staff members a right to park in a particular parking bay. Mobility parking scheme online application

Temporary Access to On Campus Parking due to a Medical Condition
The University may also, at its discretion, provide temporary access to free of charge on-campus parking for students who provide the Director of the University Health Service with satisfactory evidence of a medical condition that causes significant impediment to that person's access to the University campus.

Permits issued under the University Access Parking Scheme will be valid for a maximum of one year. Access Parking Scheme permits are issued by the Security Service following receipt of recommendation from the Director of the University Health Service.

Permits issued under the Access Parking Scheme give a student or staff member a right to park in vacant unrestricted parking bays. They DO NOT guarantee a vacant parking bay and DO NOT give a student or staff member a right to park in a particular parking bay.

Permits issued under the Access Parking Scheme DO NOT authorise permit holders to park in marked disabled parking bays. RTA Mobility Parking Permits are required for authorisation to park in any marked disabled parking bay on campus.

The University will treat any application for a permit under the Access Parking Scheme that is found to be based on false information as a disciplinary issue, and may commence misconduct proceedings against any student or staff member who knowingly seeks to abuse the scheme.

Significant Impediment to access
In determining whether a student has a medical condition that presents a significant impediment to access to the University, the Director of the University Health Service may have regard to the person's answers to the following questions:

  • how does the person normally travel to the University?
  • how will the person's access to the University be affected by the stated medical condition?
  • how is the person's access to other daily activities affected by the stated medical condition?
  • does the person have medical evidence to support the case being made?

The Director of the University Health Service may also have regard to such other information as is relevant and available.

Contact Details

Roads and Traffic Authority NSW
ph: 13 22 13
1800 331 412 TTY for Deaf and hearing impaired

University Health Service
The Director, University Health Service
Wentworth Building, G01
ph: (02) 9351 3484 for an appointment

Resting Rooms

The University has 3 resting rooms. Resting rooms are designed to accommodate students who need to take medication (such as insulin), or those who have chronic pain or fatigue and need to rest before their next class.

Students who are eligible for access to the resting rooms need to obtain a Disability Services Card. Eligibility will be determined at an appointment with a Disability Services Officer.

The two rooms on Camperdown Campus are located at:

There is a rest bay on the Cumberland Campus, Building E, Room E116. Student Services Reception can loan a pillow and blanket for the single bed there.

Students are reminded that these rooms are not supervised and are provided for rest only and not for illness or conditions that might require medical attention.

If you have a condition that might require medical attention, such as epilepsy or diabetic hypoglycaemic, then you should contact the University Health Service, which is located Level 3 in the Wentworth Building (G01) on the Camperdown Campus. There is a medical room at the Health Service, available after the student has seen the doctor or for emergencies.

Students studying with the Faculty of Economics and Business

Disability Services is undertaking a pilot scheme with the Faculty of Economics and Business to put in place Personal Academic Plans for students who require academic adjustments, such as assignment extensions and exam adjustments. A Personal Academic Plan enables Disability Services to notify the Faculty of Economics and Business of a student’s requirements for the whole semester. Please note the following procedures:

1.For new students NOT registered with Disability Services

  • Register with Disability Services
    You need to contact Disability Services to determine if you are eligible to register. During your appointment for registration, or a subsequent appointment if required, a Disability Services Officer will arrange an academic plan.
  • Course outlines & enrolment information
    Prior to the appointment you need to consider how your disability impacts on your studies, if you require assignment extensions, and any adjustments that may suit you. You will need to refer to your unit of study outlines for assessment details and due dates, and bring these to your appointment.

2. For returning students who are registered with Disability Services AND have previously had an academic plan that does not require any changes

  • Complete the online Personal Academic Plan by Week 3 of each semester. Indicate your enrolled subjects and the tasks that you wish to have extensions for or adjustments. Your academic plan will then be finalised by Disability Services and forwarded on to Gareth Edwards and Kate Small in the Faculty of Economics and Business.
  • If you require any changes to your plan, please make an appointment to discuss these with a Disability Services Officer.

Gareth manages the examination arrangements, if you have any queries about exam times please contact Gareth via email:

Mr Gareth Edwards
Timetabling Manager
Student Information Office
+61 2 9036 9140
g.edwards@econ.usyd.edu.au
Level 2, Room 255
H04 - Merewether

If you need to discuss your degree progress or program of study please contact the following program Advisors:

Ms Kate Munro
Postgraduate Program Advisor
Faculty of Economics and Business
+61 2 9036 5019 fax: +61 2 351 7779 email: k.munro@econ.usyd.edu.au
Room 181 (Wolstoneholme Study Centre) address: H04 - Merewether

Ms Lisa Kelaher
Undergraduate Program Adviser
Faculty of Economics and Business
+61 2 9036 7051 fax: +61 2 9351 4433 email: l.kelaher@econ.usyd.edu.au
Room 338 address: H04 - Merewether


3. For returning students who are registered with Disability Services and have not previously had an academic plan, or have had one and require changes

  • Make an appointment with a Disability Services Officer. You must bring your course outlines to the appointment.

When do I arrange an academic plan?
You need to arrange your academic plan at the start of semester, or as soon as you have confirmed your enrolment details. (no later than week 3 of each Semester)

Will I be notified of the details of my plan?
Once your academic plan is finalised by Disability Services you will be emailed a copy.

Do my lecturer’s have a copy of my academic plan?
Your lecturer does not receive a copy of the plan, however they can access this information if they require it. They would only be informed if it was necessary to make adjustments to the learning environment. They will however be aware of your registration with Disability Services if you submit an assignment with an extension of time.

Can I change the details of my plan?
You may revise your plan however this must be done in consultation with a Disability Services Officer. No informal arrangements can be made with your lecturer. We recommend that you consider all relevant academic adjustments and use the plan to sequence your work load for the semester, with minimal need for revision.

Do I need to do anything for assignment extensions that have been included in my academic plan?
Yes. The first page of your plan should be printed and attached to the front page of any assignments that are submitted with an extension as detailed in your plan.

Do I need to do anything for exam adjustments that have been included in my academic plan?
No. As all details of your exam adjustments have been advised to the Faculty, you will receive an email from Gareth Edwards confirming exam details for any in-department exams. For end of semester exams the Examinations Office will coordinate arrangements and advise via email. The only time you would need to contact Disability Services regarding your exams is if your enrolment has changed from what was originally included in your academic plan.

What if I do not sit an exam?
If you do not intend to sit an exam please inform Disability Services as soon as possible. If the exam is invigilated by your Faculty please notify Gareth so that he can cancel your special arrangements.

Please note that you must apply for Special Consideration if you do not sit an exam as scheduled.

Do I need to arrange an academic plan each semester?
Yes. Currently academic plans are arranged on a semester basis. You will need to follow the applicable procedure outlined above for each semester.

I am enrolled in a double degree, can I use an academic plan for all of my subjects?
No. For instance if you are enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts degree an academic plan can be used for your Commerce subjects only. Any requests for exam adjustments or assignment extensions for your Arts subjects must be made through Disability Services.

I have not received adjustments/extensions as outlined in my academic plan, what should I do?
Please contact Disability Services as soon as you are aware of the issue.

Students studying with the Faculty of Law

Disability Services is undertaking a pilot scheme with the Faculty of Law to put in place Personal Academic Plans for students who require academic adjustments, such as assignment extensions and exam adjustments. A Personal Academic Plan enables Disability Services to notify the Faculty of Law of a student’s requirements for the whole semester. Please note the following procedures:

1.For new students NOT registered with Disability Services

  • Register with Disability Services
    You need to contact Disability Services to determine if you are eligible to register. During your appointment for registration, or a subsequent appointment if required, a Disability Services Officer will arrange an academic plan.
  • Course outlines & enrolment information
    Prior to the appointment you need to consider how your disability impacts on your studies, if you require assignment extensions, and any adjustments that may suit you. You will need to refer to your unit of study outlines for assessment details and due dates, and bring these to your appointment.

2. For returning students who are registered with Disability Services AND have previously had an academic plan that does not require any changes

  • Complete the online Personal Academic Plan by Week 3 of each semester. Indicate your enrolled subjects and the tasks that you wish to have extensions for or adjustments. Your academic plan will then be finalised by Disability Services and forwarded on to the liaison in the Faculty of Law.
  • If you require any changes to your plan, please make an appointment to discuss these with a Disability Services Officer.

3. For returning students who are registered with Disability Services and have not previously had an academic plan, or have had one and require changes

  • Make an appointment with a Disability Services Officer. You must bring your course outlines to the appointment.

When do I arrange an academic plan?
You need to arrange your academic plan at the start of semester, or as soon as you have confirmed your enrolment details. (no later than week 3 of each Semester)

Will I be notified of the details of my plan?
Once your academic plan is finalised by Disability Services you will be emailed a copy.

Do my lecturer’s have a copy of my academic plan?
Your lecturer does not receive a copy of the plan, however they can access this information if they require it. They would only be informed if it was necessary to make adjustments to the learning environment. They will however be aware of your registration with Disability Services if you submit an assignment with an extension of time.

Can I change the details of my plan?
You may revise your plan however this must be done in consultation with a Disability Services Officer. No informal arrangements can be made with your lecturer. We recommend that you consider all relevant academic adjustments and use the plan to sequence your work load for the semester, with minimal need for revision.

Do I need to do anything for assignment extensions that have been included in my academic plan?
Yes. The first page of your plan should be printed and attached to the front page of any assignments that are submitted with an extension as detailed in your plan.

Do I need to do anything for exam adjustments that have been included in my academic plan?
No. As all details of your exam adjustments have been advised to the Faculty, you will receive an email from the exam coordinator in the Faculty of Law confirming exam details for any in-department exams. For end of semester exams the Examinations Office will coordinate arrangements and advise via email. The only time you would need to contact Disability Services regarding your exams is if your enrolment has changed from what was originally included in your academic plan.

What if I do not sit an exam?
If you do not intend to sit an exam please inform Disability Services as soon as possible. If the exam is invigilated by your Faculty please notify the exam coordinator so that he can cancel your special arrangements.

Please note that you must apply for Special Consideration if you do not sit an exam as scheduled.

Do I need to arrange an academic plan each semester?
Yes. Currently academic plans are arranged on a semester basis. You will need to follow the applicable procedure outlined above for each semester.

I am enrolled in a double degree, can I use an academic plan for all of my subjects?
No. For instance if you are enrolled in a Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Arts degree an academic plan can be used for your Law subjects only. Any requests for exam adjustments or assignment extensions for your Arts subjects must be made through Disability Services.

I have not received adjustments/extensions as outlined in my academic plan, what should I do?
Please contact Disability Services as soon as you are aware of the issue.

Show cause

If you have been asked to show cause you should seek assistance from the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) or the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA). The SRC represents undergraduate students at the University, SUPRA represents postgraduate students.

Students registered with Disability Services can request a letter confirming their registration to accompany their application.

SRC
Level 1, Wentworth Building G01
Tel: 02 9660 5222
Fax: 02 9660 4260
Email: help@src.usyd.edu.au
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

SUPRA
Raglan Street Building (G10)
Darlington Campus
Phone: (02) 9351 3715
Toll-free: 1800 249 950 (free call for anyone outside the Sydney Metro area)
Fax: (02) 9351 6400
email: admin@supra.usyd.edu.au

Special Consideration

Students must lodge an application for Special Consideration when they have not sat an examination on the scheduled date due to serious illness or misadventure.
Assignment extensions can be sought through Disability Services and do not normally require an application for Special Consideration to be submitted.

Applications for Special Consideration must be lodged with the relevant faculty office, and received within one week from the end of the period (i.e. assignment due date or date of examination) for which consideration is sought. To apply for Special Consideration, you will need to:

  • Obtain and complete a Special Consideration form from the relevant faculty office, faculty website or the Student Centre
  • for consideration due to serious illness have a registered medical practitioner or counsellor complete the Professional Practitioners Certificate
  • for consideration due to misadventure attach the appropriate documentation.

Applications for Special Consideration need to be lodged directly through your Faculty, NOT through Disability Services.

T-Loops for Students with Hearing Impairments

Several rooms across Camperdown campus are equipped with ‘T-loops’ for students with hearing impairments. On the Cumberland Campus, the main lecture theatre in E101 is equipped with a ‘T-loop’. These loops facilitate amplification of sound for hearing-aid users and can increase their opportunities to participate in class.

Students requiring access to T-loops will need to inform the Disability Services Officer, so that the rooms allocated for his/her classes can be checked for T-loops. It may be necessary for the student to liaise with teaching and building staff to have T-loops tested and switched on prior to use.

Where rooms are not equipped with T-loops, it may be possible to re-locate classes. There are also a number of mobile units that can be loaned out for semester to eligible students for use in smaller class meetings, tutorials or conferences.

Travel concessions

Travel concessions issued by the State Rail Fares Concession Office are generally only available to students studying full-time. However, students who study part-time solely because of disability are also eligible to apply for a concession pass. Please apply directly to Disability Services.

University Bus Service

The University Security Service provides a free mini bus service that connects the main campus with Redfern station and other places around the campus. The service leaves from outside Fisher Library approximately every 20 minutes from 4.45pm. Click here to see Security Service bus details or contact The Traffic Office in the G12 Services Building on 9351 3336.

Please note that this service is not wheelchair accessible. Please contact if you require accessible transport assistance.

During semester, between 6.30pm and 9.30pm there is a bus that runs from Cumberland Campus to the rail station after the local bus finishes. Please contact for more information.