TAFE NSW Hunter Institute

The purpose of our Disability Services is to ensure that people with disabilities have access, support and equal opportunities while studying at the Hunter Institute.

Our 10 Teacher-Consultants are highly trained education and disability experts who support students in mainstream, commercial and customised courses. In 2006, over 6,500 students with disabilities were enrolled across the Institute. Teacher-Consultants also provide formal and informal training (such as NiPS and ResponsAbility) and advice for TAFE/VET staff to assist them in supporting students with disabilities in their classes.

The following strategies may be used to assist a student to successfully complete their vocational studies:

• Modified learning materials: enlargement of notes, Braille transcripts, Teacher hand outs on coloured paper
• In-class support: Notetaker, AUSLAN Sign Language Interpreters, Tutorial Support either in groups or individually, Disability Assistant in practical classes, adaptive technology such as JAWS, Trackballs, Electronic Whiteboards, Ergonomic keyboards, TTY, Mobile Phone for students to contact via SMS or Text Messaging, FM Hearing Devices, some classrooms are looped at Ourimbah.
• Assessment adjustments: Reader/Writer (oral tests), extra time, stop-the-clock breaks, plain English papers, individual rooms, adaptive technology and Interpreters
• Extended hours to complete modules and assessments
• Individualised learning program utilising course multiple entry and exit points
• Strong liaison with community organisations who may support (and fund) the educational aspirations of students
• Competency based vocational learning - focus on teaching hands on skills
• Advice on mobility and physical access to classrooms
• Adult Basic Educational support such as numeracy and literacy skills where specifically related to the students disability
• Disability Assistant (Personal/Mobility Attendant Care)

To provide appropriate learner support and ensure substantive equity, Teacher-Consultants develop an Individual Education Plan with each client.  This may take the form of adjustments to:

• access
• curricula and delivery
• assessments

 or provision of: 

• pre-course counselling
• provision of support staff
• special equipment
• a customised course. 

Contact a Disability Teacher Consultant

For further reference: TAFE Disabilities Programs Unit, A Guide to Services for Students with Disabilities in TAFE NSW, 2007 at www.det.nsw.edu.au/disabilityaccess