‘There’s something I want to tell you…’

WHEN WHY HOW

When, why and how to disclose your disability

U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H E R N Q U E E N S L A N D

University is a great opportunity to take on new challenges and exercise your

independence.

You’ll be faced with lots of choices and chances to create your own unique USQ experience.

As a student with a disability, one of the choices you’ll need to make is whether or not to disclose your

disability during your studies.

To help you understand your options and make that decision a little easier, here are some scenarios you

might come across as a student and strategies to help you decide when, why and how to

disclose your disability.

When might I choose

to disclose my disability?

Before or during enrolment

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During your studies-------

When working in groups with other students

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When making new friends at uni

Why would I choose to disclose

my disability?

To make sure appropriate adjustments are made within your

program and courses to ensure an equitable platform for you to succeed in your studies.

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To access the support available through USQ Student Services, a team dedicated to removing barriers that stand

between you and your study success.

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When applicable, to help your group members understand your learning style and support you to

contribute to assessments.

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To make sure your safety and the safety of those around you is never compromised. For example, if you have

epilepsy it’s important that someone around you knows what to do if you have a seizure.

How do I go about disclosing

my disability?

You can choose to disclose your disability during your enrolment or by

contacting the Student Services team directly to book a consultation. You can organise to chat

with the Student Services team in-person or by phone, depending on where you live and what you are more comfortable with. Discussing your needs with Student

Services saves you from having to explain your adjustments to every lecturer in every course you complete.

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If you’re seeking support during the semester, you’ll need to be mindful of time and follow up your enquiries to make sure adjustments can be put in place in time for exams and assignment due dates. If you need to get in touch

with your lecturer, you can either see them in person during consultation hours or send

them an email.

When disclosing to other students, only share

what you feel comfortable with and try to focus on explaining how your

disability affects your study rather than the disability itself. It’s also a good idea to explain what adjustments would be helpful for you. For example,

try saying ‘My anxiety makes it hard for me to complete assignments, because I get anxious about the workload and getting things done on time. It’d really help me if we could map out the assignment into smaller chunks

so I can clearly see what my responsibilities are and how much time I have to get the work done.’ That being said, don’t feel that you need to disclose your

disability to other students if you would prefer not to; you can simply discuss your personal

needs and suitable adjustments without referring to the condition that

requires them.

Life as an independent student is full of choices and the decision to

disclose is entirely your own.

As a student of USQ, your privacy is a priority.Our Student Services team operate with sensitivity and discretion and are there to help you whenever

you need it, in any way they can.

Making an enquiry with Student Services is obligation free. You can use your consultation

with the team to gather all the information you need to consider your options and make an

informed choice about disclosing your disability at USQ.

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 9.1.C 10.2014

social.usq.edu.au

Student Services teams are available at each of our three

campuses.

Click here to view their contact details.