Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training

Disability practitioners are known variously as Disability Liaison Officers, Disability Advisors, Integration Coordinators, Teacher Consultants or Disability Officers. While their position descriptions vary from institution to institution their primary functions are likely to include:

• Assessment of student needs (including documentation of disability and health conditions)
• Identification, implementation and evaluation of support plans and accommodations required by the student
• Induction/management of disability support workers
• Disability education, training and awareness for academic and general staff - A list of related resources
• Provision of advice regarding assistive technology and learning strategies
• Liaison with teaching and other support staff in order to assess the implications of disability for learning
• Assistance in the development and implementation of Institutional Disability Action Plans, policies and procedures to ensure Disability Services and supports are mainstreamed
• Mediation between rights of the individual student and the interests of the institution.

The National Disability Coordination Programme (NDCO) provides information, coordination and referral services for people with a disability interested in, or enrolled in, post-secondary education and training.