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.

1. ‘There’ssomethingIwanttotellyou…’
When, why and how to disclose your disability

2. University is an adventure. As a uni
student, you’ll have the chance to create
your own unique study experience based on the
decisions you make.
If you’re studying at uni and have a disability, one of
the decisions 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.

3. WhenmightI
choosetodisclose
mydisability?

4. Before or during
enrolment
-------
During your studies
-------
When working in groups
with other students
-------
When making new
friends at uni

5. WhywouldI
choosetodisclose
mydisability?

6. There are many reasons why
you might choose to disclose
your disability to those around you at
university. The following 4 reasons are
some of the most important ones:
-------
1. To make sure appropriate adjustments are
made within your program and courses to
ensure an equitable platform for you to
succeed in your studies.

7. 2. To access the support available to you
through USQ’s Student Services, a team
dedicated to removing barriers that stand
between you and your study success.

8. 3. To help your group members understand
your learning style and support your
contribution to assessment.

9. 4. 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.

10. HowdoIgo
aboutdisclosing
mydisability?

11. 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.

12. If you’re seeking
support during a semester
that’s already started, 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.

13. 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.’
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.

14. Life as an independent student
is full of choices and the decision
to disclose is entirely your own, but it’s
important that you know USQ’s Student
Services team is available to help you
whenever you need it, in any way they can.
Making an enquiry with Student Services is
obligation-free, and your privacy is a priority.
Talking to the team will help you gather the
information you need so you can make an
informed choice about whether or not you
want to disclose your disability at USQ.

15. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 9.1.C 11.2016
social.usq.edu.au
For more
information about
studying with a disability
at USQ or to book a
consultation with the
Student Services team,
visit the website.