Disability Information and Support provides learning support, advice, advocacy and information to students who have a disability, impairment, injury or medical condition that affects their study for a period of four weeks or more.
Disability Information and Support recognises that students with depression and other mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties, medical conditions, temporary injuries, visual, hearing, and mobility disabilities, as well as those who are Deaf, may require additional resources or assistance while studying.
How to arrange support
Before you can start getting help from Disability Information and Support, you need to meet with one of our Student Advisors who can discuss your requirements with you and develop a support plan that will meet your needs.
You are welcome to bring a family member or support person when you visit Disability Information & Support, just let us know when you make your appointment.
All information supplied to Disability Information and Support is confidential and not available to any other university department or staff, except with your approval. This information is not recorded on your university record or marked on your qualification.
Download the Disability Information and Support Resources and Support brochure (PDF)
Medical documentation
Before support can be arranged, Disability Information and Support requires documentation from a relevant health professional confirming your need for assistance so please bring any supporting documentation you may have, such as medical certificates, discharge certificates or assessments etc. to your first appointment.
Download the Disability Information Support guidelines for providing documentation brochure (PDF)
Study support services
We offer the following services to help you reach your educational goals and develop your full potential.
If you experience difficulty taking your own notes, there may be other options available to you. Your lecturer may be able to provide you with copies of notes or they may be available through Blackboard (the University's online learning management system). If these options are unavailable, contact Disability Information and Support who may be able to organise note-taking support that will meet your needs.
Peer note-taking
Peer note-taking is provided by students who are also enrolled in the paper that notes are requested in. Disability Information and Support purchases copies of these notes, usually handwritten, and makes them available to the student who has requested them.
Electronic note-taking
Electronic note-taking provides live access and a typed record of lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratories. This type of note-taking may be suitable for students who have a significant sight or hearing impairment, use a screen reader, or who identify as being deaf.
Applying for note-taking
Check with the departments you are studying in to ensure notes are not available elsewhere. This should be undertaken prior to your appointment with a Student Advisor at Disability Information and Support.
Disability Information and Support may be able to arrange New Zealand sign language interpreters who are skilled at interpreting lectures and tutorials.
Applying for a sign language interpreter
If you require an interpreter, please contact a Student Advisor at Disability Information and Support prior to registering.
Disability Information and Support can arrange for printed material to be provided in alternative formats. For example; large print, plain English, digital, audio, and e-text.
Applying for reformatted printed material
If you require course material in an alternative format, please contact your lecturer as early as possible to find out what course texts are required; and then make an appointment to discuss with a Student Advisor at Disability Information and Support.
Disability Information and Support offer both subject specific and generic one-to-one tutorials.
Subject specific tutorial means you can get help in a particular subject while more generic forms of support include help in areas such as essay writing.
The overall aim is to help students develop their knowledge and understand key concepts.
Applying for tutoring
Please meet with a Student Advisor at Disability Information and Support to discuss your requirements.
Disability Information and Support may provide library, laboratory or field work assistants if you have difficulty carrying out the physical aspects of your course.
Assistants may collect research from various sources, they may perform physical tasks within a laboratory setting or they may assist with the collation of data during a field trip.
Applying for library, laboratory and field work assistants
Check with the departments you are studying in to ascertain any physical tasks you will be expected to perform during your course. Make an appointment to discuss with a Student Advisor at Disability Information and Support.
A range of ergonomic equipment and specialised software is available for you to borrow during the academic year.
A bond is required to be paid prior to uplifting the item.
IT equipment may also be available to borrow under Pūtea Tautoko Student Relief Fund.
Find out more about Pūtea Tautoko Student Relief Fund
Applying for equipment or software
Please meet with a Student Adviser at Disability Information and Support to discuss your requirements.
Disability Information and Support may provide you with access to our study rooms if you require a quiet and low distraction environment in which to study.
Applying for study room access
Please meet with a Student Advisor at Disability Information and Support to discuss your requirement.
Please note, an active student identification card is required.
Exam support services
Find out what alternative examination and test arrangements are available and how you can apply.
Alternative examinations and test arrangements
Accessing the campus
If you have particular mobility requirements please let us know prior to the beginning of the academic year.
Find out more about accessible venues and mobility parking