Tautoko whaikaha

Disability looks different for everyone. So does the support you might need.

Our Student Support Advisors are here to kōrero with you about your learning needs or anything that may be making study harder. This could be something long term, short term, or something that has come up recently.

If you choose, we can work alongside you, your whānau, and your support people to find strategies that work for you.

You may be able to get disability support if you:

• Are deaf or have a hearing impairment

• Are blind or have low vision

• Live with a disability or mental illness

• Have a medical condition

• Have a temporary injury or impairment

• Find that something is getting in the way of learning or taking part in your studies

You do not need to have everything figured out before you contact us.

Disability Services can support you by:

• Connecting you with on campus services

• Linking you with external or community support where helpful

Examples of support that may be available for eligible tauira include:

• Expert advice: Meet with a Student Support Advisor to talk through what you need to engage, participate, and complete your studies

• Referrals: Support to connect with internal services, external agencies, and community or government support

• Note taking support: Class notes provided for eligible tauira

• Reading support: Learning materials read aloud if they are not already available in an accessible format

• Hearing support: Referrals to free hearing advice and testing, plus batteries and short term support for hearing aids or cochlear implants

• Vision testing: Referrals for a free standard vision test

• Counselling support: Referrals for up to 3 free counselling sessions

• Campus orientation: Support to look at campus spaces and identify any barriers before you start

• Mobility parking: In some cases, access to mobility parking with a valid CCS permit. Check with your campus

• Adaptive equipment and technology: Advice and access to assistive tools and accessibility resources

• Library support: Extra help with reading, research, and accessing learning materials

Support is based on your needs and eligibility. Not all support will suit everyone.

Connecting with us early helps us work with you to:

• Understand your learning and study needs

• Identify any barriers to learning

• Explore what support or adjustments may help

• Confirm eligibility for specific disability assistance

• Plan for any staffing or resources needed

• Suggest learning strategies to support your study

• Support your whānau or support people to help you succeed

We encourage you to get in touch early, or as soon as you can. Even if you are not sure you need support yet, would like to kōrero or have any questions, please get in touch.