For academic adjustments to be recommended by AccessAbility Services, you'll be asked to provide verifying documentation of your condition and how it might impact your studies.
This documentation can be completed by an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) qualified professional or equivalent (in other countries). For most conditions, you can use the Health Practitioner Report (PDF 227KB) or provide the same information on letterhead, dated and signed by a relevant health professional. For carers, the Carer’s Documentation Form (PDF 243KB) can be used, or you can provide a letter from a relevant health professional or Centrelink regarding your official carer status.
Guidelines for documentation
Documentation can be provided from a health professional as indicated below.
Brain injuries - neurologist or neuropsychologist
Intellectual disabilities - neuropsychologist or psychologist (must include results of standardised assessment)
Medical conditions - GP or medical specialist
eg asthma, cancer, chronic fatigue, Crohn's Disease, diabetes, heart disease, etc
Neurodiversity - paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist
eg Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism (ASD), etc
Neurological conditions - GP or neurologist
eg epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, etc
Physical conditions - GP or relevant specialist
eg arthritis, cerebral palsy, paraplegia, etc
Psychiatric or mental health conditions - GP, psychiatrist or psychologist
eg anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, etc
Sensory conditions
Auditory processing disorder - audiologist
Blind or low vision - GP, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or Specialist Vision Testing Service (eg Vision Australia Services)
Deaf or hard of hearing - audiologist or GP
Specific Learning Disorders (previously dyslexia, dysgraphia and/or dyscalculia) - neuropsychologist or psychologist
- Must include results of standardised assessment
- Must have been completed either a) at age 16 years or over, or b) within the last three years
- Results from screening tests will not be accepted
- For mechanical based dysgraphia, assessment by an occupational therapist may also be required
Temporary injuries - GP or relevant specialist
eg fractured limb, surgery impacting study, etc
- Must state the nature of the condition including a timeframe during which the condition may impact study
- Documentation will not be accepted if it is more than six months old
Important things to note
Please check that your documentation:
- is less than six months old for variable conditions, eg anxiety, depression, etc
- is signed and dated
- is written in English
- is from a provider who is:
- a suitably qualified health professional,
- is not a member of your family, and/or
- is not in a personal or business relationship with you.
Reporting on temporary or variable conditions must be updated at intervals.
To optimise your access and participation in your program, it is helpful for your documentation to include details of specific impacts in a learning environment.
Documentation from other institutions outlining prior educational adjustments is also helpful but is not sufficient.
UniSC is committed to maintaining your privacy.
Talk to us if you are having difficulty obtaining documentation or would like guidance.
Phone +61 7 5430 1226, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or book an appointment on Student Hub.
Future students can register for Student Hub.