Make an appointment with an Accessibility and Welfare Adviser

If a disability, health condition, injury, or personal circumstance is affecting your ability to participate in your studies, you can speak with an Accessibility and Welfare Adviser. You don’t need to wait until things become unmanageable to reach out. Early contact often makes it easier to put support in place before assessment deadlines or attendance issues escalate.

If you’ve been thinking about reaching out for support, this page explains how to get started and what you can expect. 

What we can help with

Advisers support students whose study is impacted by:
•    Disability
•    Ongoing or chronic health conditions
•    Mental health conditions
•    Neurodivergence
•    Temporary injuries or illness
•    Caring responsibilities
•    Exceptional or unexpected personal circumstances

Support is based on how your circumstances affect your participation in study, not on a specific diagnosis. 

Student Access Plans

If your circumstances are ongoing or likely to affect your participation across the semester, an Accessibility and Welfare Adviser can assess your eligibility for a Student Access Plan (SAP).

A SAP is a practical communication tool between you and the University that outlines recommended reasonable adjustments to support equitable participation in learning, teaching and assessment. Adjustments are based on how your circumstances impact your ability to participate in study, and recommendations are considered in accordance with University policy and applicable legislation.

SAPs generally apply to in-class participation, learning activities and assessment. Examples of adjustments may include:
•    Flexibility around attendance where appropriate
•    Consideration of extensions for non-timed assessment
•    Adjustments to in-class activities or group work
•    Access to learning materials in alternative formats

Your SAP does not include medical diagnoses or detailed clinical information. Only verified functional impacts relevant to your study are shared with teaching staff.

Course Coordinators review recommended adjustments within the specific context of their course, including learning activities, assessment design and any professional or safety requirements. Where necessary, you, your Adviser and the Course Coordinator work together to identify reasonable and feasible adjustments in that learning environment. This approach supports equitable participation while maintaining the integrity of your course.

To develop a SAP, you will need to bring relevant medical or specialist documentation to your appointment. Documentation must be completed by a treating professional and should describe your disability or condition and how it affects your studies.

Exam adjustments

If you have a condition or circumstance that impacts your exams, you may be eligible for exam adjustments. These adjustments can include applying for alternative exam arrangements. To organise exam adjustments, you'll need to bring relevant documentation to your appointment with an Accessibility and Welfare Adviser.

Important timing for exam adjustments:

Exam arrangements must be finalised before the published application deadlines each semester. These deadlines are strict and apply to all exam adjustments. 

Appointments with the Accessibility and Welfare team can book out during busy periods, particularly in the lead-up to exam deadlines. If you think you may need adjustments, make your appointment as early as possible to allow time for documentation review and implementation of arrangements. Reaching out early gives you more certainty and more options.

Accessibility and Welfare Advisers cannot help with requests to defer exams. See Deferring an exam on the MyUQ website for more information.

See the Reasonable Adjustments Policy for more information.

Specialised equipment and study resources

Specialised equipment is available on campus for those who require assistance. This includes a small number of motorised scooters, and accessible classroom and laboratory furniture. The UQ Library can also provide accessible formats, computer facilities, assistive technology rooms and lockers for students with a disability.

If you need help with in-class participation, note taking, mobility support, specialised equipment or accessing course content, your Adviser will discuss the services available to you during your appointment.