We seek to remove barriers that students with disabilities face
Students with a disability, injury or health condition that may impact their studies are encouraged to make contact with Griffith University’s Student Disability and Accessibility team prior to, or upon, enrolment. Discover how Student Disability and Accessibility supports students throughout their university journey find out more about common types of disabilities and related definitions.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to contributing to a more equitable and just society, where everyone has a chance to thrive and contribute to sustainable development.
New convenor's manual
Information for convenors and academic staff about the Student Disability and Accessibility service.
Accessibility, Inclusion, and Universal Design
Cathy Easte, the manager of Griffith's Student Disability and Accessibility, explains how the service supports students by addressing their individual needs through a range of strategies and interventions. Learn about Universal Design for Learning and how it can be applied to create an inclusive learning environment.
Student disability support
Students can make an appointment with a Disability Advisor to discuss their particular needs. Our Student Disability and Accessibility team can provide:
- recommendations for alternative assessment and examination conditions
- alternative formatting for print materials
- access to assistive technologies
- access to the peer note-taking service
- access to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Student Support Program.
Indicating disability on enrolment doesn't automatically alert us to students' needs or entitle students to specialised support. Students who require assistance should make early contact with Student Disability and Accessibility.
How Student Disability and Accessibility supports students
- The student and Disability Advisor discuss the student’s needs, as they relate to potential impact on study and the accommodations or adjustments that may be required. The student provides any relevant documentation. This discussion and the information are kept confidential.
- The Disability Advisor officer establishes a set of accommodations or adjustments for the student, which may include: alternative formatting, alternative exam arrangements, assistive technologies, peer note-taking or specialised equipment.
- The Disability Advisor officer will liaise with areas of the University to ensure that these accommodations are put in place. For example, Exams and Timetables are notified regarding exam arrangements for all students with disabilities who need alternative exam arrangements.
- The Disability Advisor officer may also relay these accommodations to relevant course convenors as needed (with permission from students). For example, they may discuss arrangements for students undertaking lab sessions, workshops, or practicums to negotiate particular arrangements. Confidential information relating to the nature of the disability is not provided.
- The student is emailed to confirm arrangements. The student may meet with staff to undertake training in assistive technology, or other equipment, and may also meet with the Disability Advisor officer to discuss emerging issues or changes to arrangements.
Student Disability and Accessibility does not automatically let all course convenors know that there is a person with a disability in their class. Students are encouraged to make disclosures as necessary, usually in cases where they may need an extension on assessment items. The Disability Advisor may provide supporting documentation to students stating that the student is registered with the service.
Types of disabilities
Gain a basic understanding of some of the more common disabilities and the potential functional impacts on study.
Other services for students
All students are encouraged to access the full range of academic and personal services available to them during their studies.
Strategic commitment
Griffith is committed to accessibility and inclusion in all spheres of activity.
As staff members, our goal is to support the retention and success of students at Griffith. Regardless of whether we have professional or academic roles within the University, we are all responsible for ensuring there are no limitations to accessing Griffith’s physical, digital, learning and working environments.
The University’s legislative obligations and strategic commitment to removing barriers for people working and studying with disabilities are enshrined our strategic plans and policies.
Assistance animals on campus
Complete a permit form to bring assistance animals on campus. Requests must be approved and submitted to the. Facilities Manager (North) for South Bank, Nathan, Logan and Mt Gravatt campuses, or Facilities Manager (South) for the Gold Coast campus.
Permit to bring animals on campus form