Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT)

Our team works with you through the registration process to identify your learning strengths and how you can make the most of your studies at UOW. While each individual is different, here are some of the common adjustments that you can access during your studies:

Access Plans (formerly reasonable adjustments RA)

The Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team works with you to create an Access Plan. These plans are tailored to your individual needs and include reasonable adjustments identified to assist you to fully participate in learning at UOW. Some examples of reasonable adjustments are:

• Equipment including assistive technology
• Access for hearing impairment
• Adjustment to classroom/teaching space or placement
• Adjustment to assessment conditions
• In-class assistance and adjustments
• Mobility parking

Referrals to other UOW services

We can also refer you to other relevant UOW programs and resources, including:

• Graduate employment support
• Scholarships
• Gender, Sex and Sexuality diversity services
• Indigenous and cultural services

The following outlines a partnership; it defines what Student Accessibility and Inclusion can expect from you and what you can expect from us.

Your rights as a client of the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Service

1. Staff members who value and respect your capacity, skills and potential as an individual
2. Timely support that empowers you to access your study program and facilities appropriately
3. Opportunities to document your strengths and career related goals, as well as your challenges
4. Confidence in the privacy of your information, in line with NSW Privacy Law and UOW’s Privacy Policy
5. An assurance that any recommendations from the service are based on documentation and in consultation with you. You have the capacity to accept or reject advice or reasonable adjustments at any time.
6. Your ability to bring an additional person/s to your registration and other appointments, while feeling confident that we will consult directly with you.
7. The opportunity to request a different Student Accessibility & Inclusion staff member if desired
8. The ability for the service to liaise with your nominated third party on your behalf, should you be unwell or unable to liaise with us directly (noting written consent to confirm such an arrangement must be supplied via letter or email).

Your responsibilities as a client of the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Service

1. To engage and collaborate respectfully and responsibly with Student Accessibility and Inclusion staff
2. To be a involved with the development of your Access Plan and actively participate in any tasks assigned to you
3. Assume responsibility for monitoring and communicating about reasonable adjustments with your assigned SAI Specialist and UOW teaching staff, as required
4. Behave responsibly and honestly in ways that are considerate of rights and needs of others and refrain from behavior that may adversely affect the experiences of others, including keeping your appointments or rescheduling in a timely manner and providing accurate, current information and supporting documentation as required.

To receive support from the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Service, you will need to register with us.

Registering with Accessibility and Inclusion Service provides with an opportunity to discuss your learning, assessment and related requirements and plan any support you might need. As some of the supports and services we can provide need early planning, we encourage you to register as soon as possible.

Resources for UOW staff who would like to learn more about Student Access Plans and the registration process are available via the UOW Staff Intranet.

Our campuses have options for mobility parking, drop off, public transport and building access so that all students have an equitable learning experience.

• Mobility parking
• Public transport
• Campus drop-off points, facilities, buildings and rooms

Meet the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team

Nikki

Nikki has been a part of UOW since 2011 and worked in various areas. Nikki is passionate about helping students in a meaningful way. Her work with students with a disability is often related to assistive technology which assists them to achieve their end goal of graduating with a degree.

Cat

I'm of French-Canadian background and have found a role I am passionate about working as an Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor. I have experience working with individuals in behavioural support and a keen interest to support students with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.

Jo

My role as an Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor is to empower students to access education and achieve their goals utilizing a strength-based student-centred philosophy. I specialise in areas of mental health, neurological conditions, physical and sensory conditions, and chronic health.

Sue

I'm passionate about supporting individuals to achieve their goals and I’m a fierce advocate for equity both at UOW and in the community. As an Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor at a regional campus, I’m able to interweave both support and advocacy into my daily work with students.

Tina

I am part of the student success team at the UOW Sydney metropolitan campuses and I'm passionate about increasing accessibility and inclusion for all students. I have a particular interest in supporting students on the autism spectrum and those with mental health issues.

Sarah

My experiences in teaching and providing academic support to students at UOW's metropolitan and Wollongong campuses. I have a special interest in universal design, assistive technology, diabetes technologies and support for all higher degree by research students.

Christina

I work collaboratively with students as an Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor to assist them to overcome barriers and assist them to achieve their goals in their educational journey.

Petria

I have worked at UOW in the Student Accessibility and Inclusion team since 2003. I have a strong interest in inclusivity including universal design for learning (UDL), assistive technology and working with neurodiverse and indigenous student populations.

Susannah

As the manager of Student Accessibility and Inclusion, my goal is to increase student engagement, retention and provide a positive environment to enrich the student experience. I am passionate about empowering students to become self-advocates and provide holistic support for neurodivergent students.

Work with us

There are many ways you can work with students with a disability to contribute to UOW's inclusive and accessible university environment. From note-taking and mentoring to physical assistance in labs, or helping your fellow students transition to UOW, we have roles that you can get involved with.

We recruit for roles throughout the year. Subscribe to the UOW Job Board or get in touch with the team to hear about job opportunities.