Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions that many of our clients ask.
These might help answer some of your own questions. If your question is not answered here, please email it to us and we will respond as soon as possible. Please note: questions emailed to us may be included in the development of our FAQs page.
- How does Southbank Institute of Technology define a disability?
- How do I know if I am eligible for support?
- How soon do I need to talk to the disability officer?
- Do I have to disclose details of my disability or condition?
- Why should I disclose information about my disability?
- How is the level of my support decided?
- How often do I have to meet with the disability officer?
1. How does Southbank Institute of Technology define a disability?
This means anyone who has a condition that is temporary or permanent and affects their ability to achieve competency in a course. For some people, it is a physical condition; for some, it's a medical condition; and for others, it's a mental condition.
Some conditions are not obvious or may change with time. Whatever your disability or condition, we are interested in what you want to achieve and what new skills you can develop.
2. How do I know if I am eligible for support?
Eligibility depends on how your disability or condition affects your ability to learn. This means your situation will be assessed on an individual basis. There are some general criteria that the disability team use to determine eligibility and these include:
- support is only provided to assist students with learning needs that are as a direct result of their disability
- support is not provided to assist students who have learning needs that are unrelated to their disability, that is, returning to study after a long absence or limited schooling (Assistance in this area is provided by the learning support centre. The phone number is +61 7 3244 5014)
- you must be currently enrolled at Southbank Institute to receive disability support
- you must be able to substantiate your disability or condition to be eligible for this support.
3. How soon do I need to talk to the disability officer?
You must advise the disability team of your support needs as early as possible to receive support when you need it. This means notifying the team before you enrol or as soon as you are thinking about attending Southbank Institute.
Due to demand for services at peak times, there may be unavoidable delays in the provision of support.
4. Do I have to disclose details of my disability or condition?
No. There is no legal requirement for disclosure of a disability by a prospective or current student. However, if you choose not to tell us about your disability, you may limit the scope of support that can be arranged.
Southbank Institute of Technology encourages all students with disabilities to declare issues relating to their disability to the disability officers. We recognise that what you tell us is privileged information and is not to be disclosed to others without your express permission. In fact, you can decide what to disclose and to whom it is disclosed!
5. Why should I disclose information about my disability?
Disclosure is important for a number of reasons. If you tell us about your disability then we can provide assistance that is suited to you. We can provide equipment such as desks that can be adjusted up and down, tape recorders, and special computer software.
In addition, we can also provide specialist staff where needed. Disclosure helps us to provide the right advice about courses, access to appropriate facilities, and assists us to plan for the provision of services and participation rates.
6. How is the level of my support decided?
Southbank Institute of Technology has a policy for students with a disability that sets out how decisions should be made. This policy operates within a legislative framework that includes three major pieces of legislation, including the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992), the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act (1991), and the Queensland Disability Services Act (1992).
The policy also takes reference from a broad range of other provisions including:
- TAFE Queensland Equity Policy 07-09
- Bridging Pathways (2000-2005)
- Queensland Government Strategic Framework For Disability (2000-2005)
- the Disability Standards for Education, the Australian Quality Training Framework and information from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
The disability team uses this policy to make decisions about the level of support, keeping in mind you are a partner in this process.
7. How often do I have to meet with the disability officer?
Normally, you will meet with a disability officer once or twice prior to starting class and then at the end of each semester.
Students are expected to accept responsibility for their attendance at classes and keeping appointments with staff. The disability team relies on you to keep them informed of your progress or if you require extra help.
Last updated 3 December, 2007