What Challenges Do Uni Students Living With Disability & Chronic Illness Face?

Access to education is the right of all people living in Australia, however, for those living with disability or chronic illness, there can be barriers and challenges to realising this right. These can include:

• In tertiary, vocational and adult education services there are not enough services available to students living with chronic illness or disability. There can be fewer options for students, with physical access limiting choice especially in rural or regional areas.

• Physical barriers in the built environment can also be a challenge to navigate and access for students with visual impairments can be an issue with signage. Physical barriers can also be challenging for students travelling between classes and lectures to be on time.

• Accessing social or extra curricular activities that are appropriate can sometimes be difficult for students living with disability or chronic illness.

• A lack of flexibility in the design, modes and timeliness of exams and assessment tasks that may be unsuitable for students living with disability or chronic illness.

• Accessing or upgrading assistive technology to enable participation in learning programs, online lectures and tutorial notes.

• Inadequate or poorly located disability parking provision.

At Careseekers we have fantastic care and support workers that can help you or your loved one access further education and navigate any challenges and barriers. We have many wonderful examples of care and support workers who have supported students through their primary school education, continuing to support their clients as they enter university. This kind of assistance can be extremely helpful in overcoming physical barriers, accesssing services at the university, providing social support and encouragement and navigating public transport.

To find disability support services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers

To find aged care services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers

To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer