Thinking about studying?

Hello. deafConnectEd have created some cards called “Access Your Education”. There are two cards, have a look:

The first card is for the Disability Liaison Officer (DLO), who will be responsible for your access and support where you are studying.

So, maybe the DLO doesn’t know anything about deaf and hard of hearing people. This card is designed to make it easier for the DLO to understand what your needs are and how to arrange access.

You should fill the card out before you meet the DLO.

Select whether you are deaf or hard of hearing or deafblind.

Select your communication preferences.  You can tick more than one, it is up to you.

Next, you can see there are different types of access and support. You need to tick what your needs are. You can have just one or select more.

Last, indicate how you want the DLO to contact you. You can put in your email address, or phone number so they can SMS you.  If you use the National Relay Service, tick that.

On the back, there is information for the DLO on how to book an interpreter. We have a booking service called Central Auslan Booking Service (CABS). DLOs can contact us and we will book an interpreter for your classes.

The DLO may have never worked with a deaf or hard of hearing student. They can contact deafConnectEd if they have questions or want more information.

Now, let’s look at the second card.  This is a checklist to help you prepare for the meeting with the DLO.

We advise you to contact the DLO as early as possible. You can even contact them before you enrol to let them know you might be studying at that institute.

When you receive an offer for a course, you need to accept the offer and enrol in your subjects. Make sure the DLO knows you have accepted the offer and when you are starting.

You will need to have evidence of your hearing loss, and information about your support needs.

Remember the first card with the list of access and support items? Make sure you fill it out and give it to the DLO with your other information.

If you have any concerns about studying, inform the DLO. Don’t keep your doubts to yourself, tell them any concerns you may have.

After the meeting, email the DLO, outlining what was discussed and agreed upon.

The DLO usually writes up a summary of what your support or access needs are, and what they can provide.  Ask them to send this to you.  When you get the summary, make sure all the details are correct.  If there are mistakes, tell the DLO as soon as possible.

Finally: email the teachers in your course and introduce yourself.  You don’t have to do this, but it’s a good idea.  It’s better that they know there will be a deaf student in their class, so everything will run smoothly for you.

During the year, stay in contact with your DLO and let them know how things are going.

For example, you might not need an interpreter for all your classes, or you might need more interpreting; or, some support is not working out and you need different support or access.

Most importantly, you have to let your DLO know when there are any changes; e.g. if your class is moved to a different room, or the timetable changes, you must inform your DLO about it.

On the back of this card, there’s a little bit of information about your rights.

It is important that you feel comfortable with the people who provide access and support for your classes.  If you don’t feel someone is a good fit, e.g. a note-taker or interpreter, you can ask if someone different can work with you. This is your right.

If you want to know more information, you can contact us. Our contact details are below.

Where can you get these cards? Please refer to the links in the comments section below.

Thank you for watching!