Disability Support Services

At TAFE NSW, we understand that every student has individual needs that may impact on their ability to study, and we are committed to supporting students who have a disability.

This includes students who:

• Are blind or vision impaired.
• Are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Have a chronic medical condition, (e.g. lupus, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, cancer)
• Have a physical disability or difficulties with mobility or with fine motor skills.
• Have an intellectual disability.
• Have a mental illness.
• Have Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Have an acquired brain injury.
• Have difficulties with learning including ADHD or dyslexia.

Even if you feel that you do not need assistance it is recommended that you meet with one of our Teacher Consultants for a chat about the support available and if you are eligible for a fee exemption. Although it is always best to make contact with a Teacher Consultant before you enrol, you can do this at any time during your course.

Appointments with Teacher Consultants are free and information provided is confidential.

Make your first appointment

We’re here to support you and have a range of tools and programs that can help you with your studies.

If you’ve already enrolled, or thinking about enrolling, call 131 601 and choose option 5, to discuss your requirements. We will connect you with your local Teacher Consultant and create a personalised plan with you.

Helping you make the most of your ability

The decision to take on study is a big one, but, if you are ready, we want to be there to assist you to take advantage of every opportunity from enrolment through to graduation, and maximise your potential for every part of your journey.

By letting us know about your support needs we will be able to help you get the right support from the beginning of your course.

A Teacher Consultant will need to verify at your first appointment that you are eligible for a fee exemption, so you should take documentation from a medical professional, rehabilitation consultant or your school that confirms you have support needs.

Remember, if you are not sure about any of this, please ask.

How we can help

Teacher Consultants provide a range of services to assist students. These include;

• Guidance on choosing the course and program of study best for you
• Assistance with enrolling
• Assistance with fee exemption applications
• Development of an individual support plan, including identifying classroom support and assessment modifications that will suit you best
• Providing access to learner support, sign language interpreters, note-takers, or disability assistants
• Assistance accessing ergonomic equipment and assistive technology
• Assistance with Read&Write - a software program that supports people with dyslexia, and those who need help with reading, writing and spelling
• Information on how your teachers will plan, deliver and assess your training while considering your particular needs
• Modifying assessment and exam conditions
• Mobility orientation
• Developing health care plans for life-threatening conditions
• Referrals to TAFE services, such as counselling and Work and Development Orders
• Guidance and assistance with NDIS workers being on campus for personalised non-educational care supports.

So talk with a Teacher Consultant about the best course for you, your needs, and your goals.

Why it's important to tell us about your needs when you enrol

Four reasons why you should let us know you need support:

1. Our support services are free and confidential and available to both enrolled and prospective students.
2. You may be eligible for an exemption (you pay nothing) or a concession (you pay a reduced amount) on your course fee.
3. You’ll get the right support to give you the best chance of achieving study success from the very start.
4. We will respect your privacy.

What do I do next?

You can call us on 131 601 or 1300 362 890 for TAFE Digital Disability Services and ask to speak to a Teacher Consultant, or make an appointment to meet before you enrol. Alternatively, a number of our Sydney metropolitan campuses and larger regional ones have a Customer Service Centre you can visit, and ask to be introduced to a Teacher Consultant. Our staff are there to assist you.

If you complete your enrolment online, tick the Disability box and identify your disability, medical condition or injury, and be sure to call us on 131 601 to be connected with a Teacher Consultant to discuss options.

Phone calls for the hard of hearing, deaf, or speech-impaired

The National Relay Service, NRS, is Australian service to assist people who are hard of hearing, deaf or speech-impaired to make phone calls. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and costs about the same as a local phone call. All calls are confidential and free training is available on how to use this service.

• If you are a TTY or voice user, ring 13 36 77 then dial the phone number you wish to call.
• If you are a Speak and Listen user, ring 1300 555 727 then ask for the phone number you wish to call.
• If you are an internet relay user, go to www.relayservice.com.au and enter the phone number you wish to call.