A group for UQ students who experience disability, chronic illness, mental illness, neurodiversity and/or are Deaf.
The Disability Collective is a branch of the University of Queensland Union. Our Collective is concerned with the advocacy, support and social connectedness of students at UQ who experience disability, chronic illness, mental illness, neurodiversity and/or are Deaf. The Collective also exists to offer peer support for its members and to raise awareness of issues surrounding disability throughout the greater university body, and in the wider community.
The Disability Collective also focuses on building a positive, welcoming and supportive community for our members, running informal networking events, workshops, organised events and meetings both online and on campus.
Our collective has rooms on campus as well as online communities which provide safe spaces for students to ask questions, connect with others, and access support and advocacy.
The Disability Collective is committed to working with the university administration and teaching staff, and UQ’s Disability, Diversity and Inclusion Advisors (DDIA), to advocate for student rights, refer students to appropriate support services, and help students navigate life at university.
Things our collective can help you with include:
- Suggestions/examples of what you can ask to have included in your Student Access Plan (SAP) and exam adjustments
- How to communicate with course coordinators in person and via email to ensure your SAP is appropriately implemented
- Seeking internal resolution or external legal assistance if you experience discrimination in class or on campus
- Navigating mental health support
- Providing opportunities for students with disabilities to engage socially in a safe and supportive environment
- Improving study skills and finding alternatives when faced with barriers
- Increasing disability awareness and positive representations of disability on campus
- Advocating on your behalf to ensure equitable access to education
The Disability Rooms
The Disability Space is a safe environment on campus where our members can relax, recharge, administer medications, socialise, and access literature and information of interest to our members. The Disability Space is located in the Student Union building, on level one, under the REDROOM, next to the dentist.
How do I become a member?
You already are! All students who identify as someone who experience disability, chronic illness, mental illness, neurodiversity and/or are Deaf can automatically become a member of our collective, with equal voting rights, and is welcome to attend meetings and access our resources. How much you wish to participate in the Collective’s activities is entirely up to you.
Investigating the experiences of students with disability at the University of Queensland: Report of survey conducted April to July 2022 by the University of Queensland Union.
Learn more and view the report here.
Resources
Downloadable Documents
UQUAC Code of Conduct
People With Disability Australia Language Guide
Your rights in education
The Australian Network on Disability
Provides employment mentoring and internships Australia-wide
www.and.org.au Ph: 1300 363 645
1800RESPECT
National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service
1800RESPECT.org.au 1800 737 732
Disability, Diversity and Inclusion Advisors (DDIA)
Will work you to create a student access plan (SAP) and put in place alternative exam arrangements. *Note that an SAP and alternative exam arrangements are distinct documents
[email protected] (07) 3365 1704
Headspace
Free or low cost counselling and support services to young people aged 12-25
Open Monday – Friday
Ph: (07) 3157 1555
Sane Australia
Counselling, support, information and referrals for complex mental health issues
10am-10pm AEST
Ph: 1800 187 263
Lifeline
Crisis support and suicide prevention
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Ph: 13 11 14
Legal Services
Legal Aid Queensland
Free legal advice by phone
1300 65 11 88
Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia
1800 818 338