The Disability Inclusion Network emerged from a conversation about how to create more opportunities to promote disability awareness, visibility, and pride across our campuses and is open to people with and without disability.
UOW Disability Inclusion Network
UOW's Disability Inclusion Network (DIN) is a voluntary staff network that aims to provide a platform for meaningful conversations about what access and inclusion looks like at UOW, to share information, resources and events, and to act as an informal and community-based support for people with disability and their allies.
The network provides a safe space for UOW staff to ask questions, share experiences, resources, research, and allyship and provides an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and be part of a community of support, ideas and practice.
How do I get involved?
To join DIN, UOW staff can contact us at uow-din@uow.edu.au. You will be added to the UOW DIN Webex Chat and the mailing list.
We strongly encourage everyone to complete the free online Disability Awareness Training that has been created by the NSW Public Service Commission, it takes around 20 minutes to complete.
Disability Inclusion online training
All UOWDIN members are encouraged to complete the free online Disability Awareness Training by the Public Service Commission. The modules take 20 minutes to complete.
More information
- UOW Learning and Teaching Inclusive Design Collection
- People with Disability Australia Inclusive Language Guide
- Introduction to Disability Awareness is a 90 minute eLearning course developed as part of the Australian Government initiative, National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) Program and the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET).
- Students: Accessibility and Inclusion
- Staff: Contact your UOW Manager/Supervisor in the first instance. Further help can be sought from People and Culture Division
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
What is the sunflower program?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is a worldwide initiative to help those who experience a disability that is not visible (e.g. sensory needs, Autism, arthritis, chronic pain, etc.) to be able to discreetly communicate that they may need some extra time or a hand to do things.
In 2023 DIN and UOW proudly joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program in the hopes of increasing inclusivity, acceptance and understanding across our campuses.
How to join
Staff
Please refer to the Sunflower Program Universe site for more information.
Students
Please email uow-din@uow.edu.au to register.
Please note: the Disability Inclusion Network (DIN) Advisory Committee is comprised of UOW staff members who volunteer their time while continuing to fulfil their responsibilities in the roles for which they are employed. We endeavour to respond to all emails in a timely manner, however, increases in workloads may result in a delay in replying to your email. We greatly appreciate your understanding.
Merchandise
We have a range of FREE merchandise available for staff and students, including items for 'users' (those who identify as having an invisible disability), as well as 'supporter' options for those who identify as being an ally. We are greatly appreciative of the SSAF funding we have received that has helped us to purchase additional merchandise to ensure all students who which to be a part of the program are able to.
This program is partially funded by SSAF.