there's something i want to tell you
DESCRIPTION
University is a great opportunity to take on new challenges and exercise your independence. You’ll be faced with lots of choices and chances to create your own unique USQ experience. As a student with a disability, one of the choices you’ll need to make is whether or not to disclose your disability during your studies. To help you understand your options and make that decision a little easier, here are some scenarios you might come across as a student and strategies to help you decide when, why and how to disclose your disability.TRANSCRIPT
‘There’s something I want to tell you…’
WHEN WHY HOW
When, why and how to disclose your disability
U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H E R N Q U E E N S L A N D
University is a great opportunity to take on new challenges and exercise your
independence.
You’ll be faced with lots of choices and chances to create your own unique USQ experience.
As a student with a disability, one of the choices you’ll need to make is whether or not to disclose your
disability during your studies.
To help you understand your options and make that decision a little easier, here are some scenarios you
might come across as a student and strategies to help you decide when, why and how to
disclose your disability.
When might I choose
to disclose my disability?
Before or during enrolment
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During your studies-------
When working in groups with other students
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When making new friends at uni
Why would I choose to disclose
my disability?
To make sure appropriate adjustments are made within your
program and courses to ensure an equitable platform for you to succeed in your studies.
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To access the support available through USQ Student Services, a team dedicated to removing barriers that stand
between you and your study success.
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When applicable, to help your group members understand your learning style and support you to
contribute to assessments.
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To make sure your safety and the safety of those around you is never compromised. For example, if you have
epilepsy it’s important that someone around you knows what to do if you have a seizure.
How do I go about disclosing
my disability?
You can choose to disclose your disability during your enrolment or by
contacting the Student Services team directly to book a consultation. You can organise to chat
with the Student Services team in-person or by phone, depending on where you live and what you are more comfortable with. Discussing your needs with Student
Services saves you from having to explain your adjustments to every lecturer in every course you complete.
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If you’re seeking support during the semester, you’ll need to be mindful of time and follow up your enquiries to make sure adjustments can be put in place in time for exams and assignment due dates. If you need to get in touch
with your lecturer, you can either see them in person during consultation hours or send
them an email.
When disclosing to other students, only share
what you feel comfortable with and try to focus on explaining how your
disability affects your study rather than the disability itself. It’s also a good idea to explain what adjustments would be helpful for you. For example,
try saying ‘My anxiety makes it hard for me to complete assignments, because I get anxious about the workload and getting things done on time. It’d really help me if we could map out the assignment into smaller chunks
so I can clearly see what my responsibilities are and how much time I have to get the work done.’ That being said, don’t feel that you need to disclose your
disability to other students if you would prefer not to; you can simply discuss your personal
needs and suitable adjustments without referring to the condition that
requires them.
Life as an independent student is full of choices and the decision to
disclose is entirely your own.
As a student of USQ, your privacy is a priority.Our Student Services team operate with sensitivity and discretion and are there to help you whenever
you need it, in any way they can.
Making an enquiry with Student Services is obligation free. You can use your consultation
with the team to gather all the information you need to consider your options and make an
informed choice about disclosing your disability at USQ.
CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 9.1.C 10.2014
social.usq.edu.au
Student Services teams are available at each of our three
campuses.
Click here to view their contact details.