This information will help you make an informed decision about whether you want to study, and if you do, how you go about getting in to the course of your choice. You will need to consider how you might best be able to study with your particular disability. There will be many issues you will need to think about and it is likely that working through these issues will take you quite a while and involve a lot of planning. However, it will be worth it in the end because, whether you decide to study or not, you will be making a realistic decision based on sound information.
If you decide to study at TAFE or university, you can be certain that it will change your life considerably. Study will introduce you to challenging new ideas and skills, and will make significant demands on your time, effort and finances. These personal demands, which are experienced by all students, are balanced by the potential of TAFE or university study to provide you with immense personal satisfaction as well as increased career opportunities and financial security.
The information provided here aims to help you think through your reasons for studying, your current academic qualifications and skills, financial considerations, and the support you may need while studying. You may find it helpful to talk to students and staff at TAFE and universities and to read the information about courses, support services, and social activities available through each TAFE or university.
Contents
Information sheetsThe information sheets are intended to provide you with information relating to decisions about TAFE or university study, how to decide on a course or subject, what entry requirements are needed, how you get a place at TAFE or university, what support is available and so on. Important dates to keep in mind and resource contacts are also included.
The information sheets are:
- Deciding on a course/program
- Gaining a place at TAFE or university
- Entry requirements
- Accessing support
- Modes of study
- Financial considerations
- Important dates
- Your rights and responsibilities
- Resource contacts
- Commonly used terms
Action planner
The action planner is designed
to assist you to work through your study options and support needs in a
systematic fashion. When you have completed working through the action
planner you should have a clear idea of the path to follow and how to
go about preparing yourself for the journey.
© UniAbility Steering Committee 1999
© South Australian Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative 2002
First edition 1993
First revised edition 1995
Second revised edition 1999
Third revised edition 2002
The first edition of A resource and planning guide for people with a disability: Considering higher education was produced in 1993. The first revised edition was produced by the Flexible Learning Centre, University of South Australia in 1995.
The second revised edition, although undergoing a change in title and format, provided the same practical assistance for people with disabilities with updated information.
The third revised edition has undergone a change in title to reflect its widened brief. The publication now includes information for people with disabilities interested in studying at TAFE as well as updating the information for people with disabilities interested in studying at university.
The information in Considering higher education? A planning guide for people with disabilities and medical conditions was correct at the time of printing. However, as information changes from time to time it would be advisable to check the accuracy with the relevant institution.
This publication is available on request in Braille; on audiotape and in large print.
Originally published by Flinders University, The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia
Original cover design Carolyn Brook
Cartoons Simon Kneebone
Original printing Flinders Press and Document Services
A UniAbility and RDLO project
Tappa nguttoanna — Pathways to knowledge
Enhancing post secondary education, training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities