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Equitable Learning Services

Ensuring your education at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç is inclusive and accessible

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Every student learns differently.Ìý

We work with students navigating health, mental health, trauma, neurodivergence and disability to create equitable study experiences.Ìý

You don’t have to identify as having a disability to access our support. If a health condition, mental health challenge, trauma impact or neurodivergence is affecting your studies, we’re here to help.Ìý

Register with Equitable Learning Services (ELS) for support and educational adjustments to help you feel confident and progress in your courses. ELSÌýis a free and confidential service that provides practical support to ensure your health conditions, disability or trauma do not adversely affect your academic journey.

Eligibility

You are eligible for Equitable Learning Support if your studies are impacted by one or more of the following:

  • Neurodivergence
  • Living with a physical or mental health condition or disability
  • The effects of trauma or distress (including from intimate partner violence, family violence or abuse)
  • Being a primary carer for someone with support needs or disability.

You may require long or short-term assistance with any of the above. If we are not the best support for you, one of our staff will let you know who else you can contact.Ìý

If you're unsure whether you're eligible for ELS, email us atÌýels@unsw.edu.au.

See also
Register for ELS

ELS support programs

Assistive technology

What is ELS?

Alternative versions of this videoÌýare available with language captions inÌý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý.

If you need captioning for any other languages, automated language translation is also available for this video. To access: select theÌýCC button, then go toÌýsettings iconÌýand select 'Subtitles/CC' and the 'Auto-translate' option.

Get in touch with ELS

We're here to ensure your education at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç is inclusive and accessible. Send us an email, drop in for a quick chat at The Nucleus: Student HubÌýor book a video, phone or in-person appointment.

  • Have a question or query? Send us an email at els@unsw.edu.au.Ìý
    Email us now
  • Have a quick question?

    Speak to an Equitable Learning Facilitator (ELF) by dropping in virtually or in person at The Nucleus: Student Hub during the available hours.Ìý

    Drop-in sessions run for approximately 15 minutes.Ìý
    Hours available
    • Monday: 11am - 1pm
    • Tuesday: 11am - 1pm
    • Wednesday: 1pm - 3pm
    • Thursday: 1pm - 3pm
    • Friday: 11am - 1pm

    Drop-in sessions are unavailable on all public and university holidays. Send us an email and we'll respond to you as soon as we can, or reach out to the ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇÌýemergency and after-hours service if you need it.Ìý

  • Scheduled appointments areÌýonlyÌýavailable for registered ELS students. If you have not yet registered, please send us an email or attend a drop-in session instead.

    Appointments are now available Monday to Friday, in person and via phone or video, at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Kensington campus. ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Paddington appointments are available on Tuesdays.Ìý

    • If you book a phone appointment, your ELF will call you at the designated time.Ìý
    • If you have scheduled a video appointment, you'll receive a Zoom link to your ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç inbox. Please open this link at your designated appointment time.Ìý
    • In-person appointments at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç KensingtonÌýtake place at the . At the time of your appointment, please take a seat in the waiting area. Your ELF will come and get you. If you are running late, please email els@unsw.edu.au to let your ELF know you have arrived.Ìý
    • In-person appointments at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç PaddingtonÌýare at . At the time of your appointment, please take the side elevator to the Mezzanine Floor and emailÌýels@unsw.edu.auÌýto confirm your arrival. Your ELF will come and get you.Ìý
Register for ELS

What have students said about ELS?

"Equitable Learning Services has been very helpful for me at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. I have heard many of my friends at other universities struggle to get learning plans that adjust for their mental health like anxiety, ADHD and more. I was able to show documents from a psychologist and my GP, ELS were able to show what options I had. It has reduced my stress to have this safety net around assessment time. ELS has a 'drop-in' service that were ready to help you with answers and through the process."

– ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç 3rd year student

"I haven't ever applied for provisions or learning support before, so the meeting/process seemed daunting at first. The advisor made me feel very comfortable when I was explaining how my condition affects my academic performance and was extremely supportive. The meeting made me feel empowered to put my best foot forward and try to reach my potential :) I also appreciated how easy registration was, the step by step document was amazing and so was the follow up document to apply my ELP."

– ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç student

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • When you register with ELS, we will have a conversation with you to help us understand how your condition(s) impact your studies.Ìý

    We will work with you to develop an Equitable Learning Plan (ELP). Your ELP may contain adjustments such as taking exams with a smaller group of students to minimise distractions, getting extra time to complete your assessments or having access to assistive technology.Ìý

  • "Disability" is a broad term used to cover a wide range of professionally diagnosed conditions, learning difficulties, injuries, medical and mental health conditions. You may be affected permanently or have symptoms that occur from time to time. It’s not uncommon for some people to discover they have a learning difficulty or medical condition while at university. Examples include:
    • Attention Deficit Disorder
    • Anxiety disorders (including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
    • Autism spectrum (including Asperger's Syndrome)
    • Depressive disorders
    • Eating disorders
    • Hearing impairment
    • Learning disabilities
    • Medical conditions
    • Neurological conditions
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Physical disabilities
    • Psychiatric conditions
    • Psychological conditions
    • Psychotic disorders
    • Vision impairment.Ìý

  • All ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç students, with or without a disability:

    1. Must meet course requirements
    2. Are marked to the same standard
    3. Will have to undertake assessments, which may include exams.Ìý

    We understand that managing your disability or condition at university can sometimes be difficult. Equitable Learning Services can support you through your studies so you can demonstrate your academic ability.Ìý

    However, it is up to you to manage your disability and get the most out of your studies by using the services and adjustments available to you. You will need to plan ahead, meet deadlines, read your emails and keep in contact with our team to ensure you get the maximum benefit from your educational adjustments.

  • At the start of each new study period, your ELP will be auto-renewed. ELS will notify you via email that your ELP is ready for the upcoming study period. If you have not received an email notification prior to your first class, please email els@unsw.edu.au to let us know.Ìý

    In some cases, ELS may ask you to upload new supporting documentation before auto-renewing your ELP. You will receive an email if you need to submit documentation to continue accessing an ELP.Ìý

    You should alwaysÌýemail a copy of your ELP to your course coordinatorsÌýand any relevant teaching staffÌýto ensure faculty are aware of your adjustments. It is your responsibility to complete this process.Ìý

  • Sometimes. You can submit a if you'd like to make a quick change to your current ELP. An Equitable Learning Facilitator (ELF) will review your request and let you know if the change is possible and what else might be needed.

    You can also book a with an ELF to discuss changes in how your condition(s) are impacting your studies and what other adjustments might make things more manageable.Ìý

  • Registered students can visit the ELS Student Portal to and view or download existing documentation. Please ensure any new documentation meets our requirements.

    If you need a form for your healthcare practitioner to fill out, you can use the .Ìý

Meet the team

At Equitable Learning Services, we have a highly-trained team of Equitable Learning Facilitators (ELFs). Our ELFs have a range of experience and expertise across the learning and disability sector. They're dedicated to their roles and to helping ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç students succeed.

Michelle (Team Lead)

"I have a background as an adult educator and life coach and have been at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç since 2019. I am passionate about education and people. Helping students access their academic potential is the best, and helping my team facilitate that process is just as rewarding.

To relax, I crochet, I swim in the ocean and read compelling novels."

Anna (ELF)

"I joined the ELS team at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç in November 2022. I have a background in Occupational Therapy and am passionate about advocating for equity and inclusion within both the healthcare and education systems. I find the most rewarding part of being an ELF is the opportunity to meet and work with such a diverse range of students.

To unwind I enjoy walking my greyhound Figs, going to the gym or watching the latest addictive Netflix series."

Carmella (ELF)

"Before joining ELS at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç in 2018, I worked as an Occupational Therapist in health, disability, and education.

I enjoy having the opportunity to work collaboratively with students to delve into the unique ways that their condition is impacting on their educational experience and from there develop a plan to support them to access their studies. It is an honour to be able to take a small role in helping students achieve their goals.

To unwind I enjoy going for a swim, listening to music, having a massage, walking my puppy, or relaxing in the bath with a book."

Dan (ELF)

"I have a background in holistic wellbeing and academic support in the higher education space and I've worked at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç since 2023. I am passionate about advocating for the best possible student outcomes and helping learners of all abilities discover their strengths.

To relax, I listen to podcasts, exercise, go on a bushwalk, or take a bath."

Rachel (ELF)

"I have a background in speech pathology and specialize in supporting students with neurodivergent conditions that impact communication, in particular autism. I lead theÌýNeurokin NetworksÌýsocial and study groups and empower educators with the tools and strategies needed to effectively teach these students in the classroom.

I unwind by exercising, playing piano, and reading books with my son."

Shelley (ELF)

"I have a background in disability inclusion and human services and have worked in the university sector since 2000. I am passionate about amplifying the voice of those with lived experience of disability and intersectional equity identities and creating a safe space for students to learn and develop to the fullest of their potential.

To relax, I love to read and spend time with my children and (world's cutest) dog."

Nicole (ELF)

"I've been at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç ELS since 2020 and I have a background in Special Education as a Learning Support teacher. I really enjoy being able to support students, so they have the additional flexibility they need to complete their studies to the best of their ability.

Something I do to de-stress is SUP boarding around Sydney's amazing beaches."

Hannah (ELF)

"I joined the ELS team in 2021 and have a background in Psychology and Music. I worked as a music teacher and behavioural support therapist before moving into the tertiary sector. I love meeting students from all walks of life and working collaboratively to best support them in their university journey.

To unwind, I enjoy taking my dog to the park, playing with my son and baking yummy treats."

Katherine (ELF)

"I have a background in special education and I've worked at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç since 2014. Until recently, I worked as an Academic Support Officer. I love assisting students to reach their potential and seeing them graduate.

I relax by going on long walks, playing with my daughter's dog, and reading."

Liz (Admin)

"I have a background in health administration and joined the ELS team in October 2023. I love working in a team that is dedicated to supporting individual learning needs and a range of experiences so that students can thrive.

To relax, I love to spend time with my family, read, listen to music and podcasts, or bake something delicious."

Mariana (Admin)

"I have a background in Social and Political Sciences and been working on administrative roles with ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç since 2019. I am passionate about supporting and advocating for diversity in every way possible.

I usually like to unwind by playing guitar, watching YouTube, baking, and watching my cats play."

Kala (Admin)

"I joined ELS in early 2024 and have background in International development and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I’m so grateful to be a part of this amazing team that is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for students.

To relax, I love to spend time with my family, bake and sing."

Have a question?

Contact the Equitable Learning Services team for assistance or visit the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç emergency support page for immediate help.Ìý
Email ELS
Emergency support