Disability support services

Support services are available if you have a disability, health or medical condition that affects your access whilst on campus.

Physical access

Every building and level on campus has wheelchair access. There are lifts in all buildings and Braille signage.

For vision impaired students, mobility training and assistance with orientation can be accessed through the local representative of the Guide Dogs Association.

A motorised scooter is available to students who have mobility difficulties for use on campus. To be eligible to access the scooter, you must be registered with the Disability Services Officer.

Better hearing

Hearing loops for students with hearing impairment are available in some lecture theatres and at the Library Loans Desk.

Parking

USC provides parking for people with a mobility disability at a number of designated disabled parking spaces across the campus at no cost.

The University no longer issues its own Disability Parking Permits. If you require accessible parking at USC, you must obtain a permit from Queensland Transport or another state or territory issuing authority.

For more information see car travel and parking at USC.

Access card

Students with mobility difficulties may be eligible for swipe-card access to the bottom of the lecture theatres and for after-hours lift access.

Toilets

Wheelchair accessible toilets are available in all buildings. The Arts and Social Sciences building (D Block) has a hoist for use in the wheelchair accessible toilet.  This building also contains a parent's room, with a chair and ample sink and bench space, which can be used for taking medication in privacy.

Respite Room

The respite room is available for staff and students who have a pre-existing medical condition and need to rest for short periods.

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Telephones

Wheelchair accessible telephones are available campus-wide.

The Learning Connections Room

The Learning Connections Room has a variety of assistive technologies for students with disabilities. Training and support in the use of the adaptive equipment can be arranged for eligible students.

Alternative formatting of course materials and exams

Course materials and exams can be made available in alternative formats for students with vision impairment or print disability.

Assessment support

The University can make available:

  • extra time for assessments or examinations
  • assessment via different modes, such as oral or electronically
  • personal assistance such as a scribe, sign interpreter or reader

Equipment loans

A limited pool of equipment such as digital voice recorders, a laptop computer and hearing loop equipment are available for loan to eligible students.

Lockers

Lockers are free for hire for short or long term access for students with disabilities. 

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Interpreters-sign

Interpreter support can be arranged - with advance notice, for students who have severe hearing impairments.

Note-taking

Note-taking can be arranged for students who experience significant difficulty with accessing lecture material, for example, due to a hearing impairment or manual dexterity problem.

Note-taking is provided each semester by student volunteers who agree to share their notes with peers. It may take a couple of weeks to identify a volunteer, and there will be some variation in the timeliness and style of notes.

Special exam arrangements

Adjustments may be made to standard exam arrangements for eligible students. These include provisions such as extra time, scribes/readers, use of a computer, provision of exam paper in alternative format and ergonomic furniture.

Contact the Disability Services Officer through Student Life and Learning to discuss your support needs.

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