What are our Registered Training Organisation’s obligations towards access and equity?

Australian Quality Training Framework

• The AQTF 2007:  Essential Standards for Registration gives specific guidelines on adherence to Access and Equity.

State and Federal Legislation

• The Disability Standards for Education (2005) in the Disability Discrimination Act have guidelines that specify the legal obligations, rights and responsibilities in relation to education and training providers. Access to Premises, services and employment are all also included in the legislation.
• Students have the right to lodge a complaint  if they feel they are denied access to any of the above Education standards on the basis of the disability.
• In line with the DDA, ACPET recommends that providers prepare a Disability Action Plan.
• The DDA does not require changes to be made if this will cause major difficulties or unreasonable costs to a person or organisation.  This is called "unjustifiable hardship".
• Each State has its own Equal Opportunity legislation.
• The Federal DDA makes specific guidelines on Reasonable Adjustments and Reasonable Accommodations with respect to five key standards to be upheld by education and training providers.  The five key standards are:

• Enrolment
• Participation
• Curriculum Delivery & Assessment
• Student Services
• Harassment and Victimisation

Education Services for Overseas Students

• The Federal DDA Legislation also covers international students.
• The Universities Australia Guidelines 2006 for students with a disability 
• Under the National Code of Practice 2007  took effect on July 1st 2007. Refer to examples of policies and procedures for more information on:

Standard 2 Student Engagement before Enrolment
Standard 6 Student Support Services
Standard 8 Complaints and Appeals