Accessibility Services
Te Ata Kūtoro - the pathway of allowing accessibility
Our Role:
Supporting students with impairments to be successful in their studies.
Our Vision:
The Accessibility Services Vision is to work collaboratively with students at the University of Waikato to empower individuals with impairments to reach their goals and achieve their full academic potential.
Core Values:
- Empowerment
- Collaboration
- Professionalism
- Accessibility
- Diversity
The University of Waikato is committed to providing equity in education and works to ensure that students with impairments have access to all areas of campus life and the student experience. Our Accessibility Service strives to make our University more inclusive and accessible as well as having equity of opportunity for success.
Although registration is welcome at any time, all students with impairments or support needs are encouraged to register with Accessibility Services before coming to University or very early in their studies. This will ensure the right support for the student's unique needs.
Services
We support long-term, short-term and temporary impairment including, but not limited to:
- Sensory impairment – Vision, hearing
- Physical impairment – Head injury, mobility, speech
- Specific Learning Disability – Dyslexia, dyscalculia, Asperger’s and Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Mental health – Anxiety, depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Temporary impairment – Injuries, Occupational Overuse Syndrome
If you are unsure if you qualify to use the service, please make contact with the team.
Alongside a range of other support services available on campus, Accessibility Services can form part of your education support network, helping to make your University of Waikato experience as successful and rewarding as possible. The section below outlines specific educational assistance accessed through Accessibility Services.
If you are not able to take notes in lectures due to an impairment, alternatives such as recorded lectures and copies of overheads can be arranged. Some lecturers provide notes on Course Reserve at the library or online for you to read on computer via Moodle (University's online learning system for accessing paper information, resources and online discussion forums), while others are recorded and available as video or podcast. However, some are only made available by agreement with the particular Faculty or School.
If you are unable to access notes in any of these ways a note-taker may be able to take notes for you. Accessibility Services can arrange for notes to be taken for you.
If you are Deaf and require a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreter, please contact Accessibility Services staff well before the start of the semester so arrangements can be made to book external NZSL interpreters.
Students with a range of impairments may require printed material in alternative formats. This includes large print, different coloured paper, braille, audio or electronic format. Students who need alternative format literature are encouraged to speak to Accessibility Services to find a workable solution to accessing course literature.
Course related audiobooks from the University of Auckland can be issued on interloan through the University of Waikato Library's Interloan Service. Requests should be made at the Library Information Desk and must be course-related.
Applications are available on MyWaikato under the ‘Accessibility Services’ icon once registered
Arrangements for in-class tests
Alternative test arrangements are available for eligible students who require a more accessible way of sitting their tests. If you require additional time, a separate room, use of a reader/writer for tests or require other specific arrangements, please contact Accessibility Services staff before the start of semester so that your eligibility can be determined. If approved, you must then submit an application for alternative test arrangements by the end of the first week of each semester. If not submitted on time, the request may not be approved unless extenuating circumstances exist.
Arrangements for examinations
Accessibility Services work with the Exams team which is responsible for providing special arrangements for formal examinations. Accessibility Services staff are happy to guide you through the process of obtaining special exam conditions if required
Assistive Technology refers to the various software and hardware options that assist in addressing a range of disabilities, such as vision, learning and mobility impairments. The following range of equipment, hardware and software may be borrowed or accessed for use on campus by students who require it. Loaned equipment is normally provided free-of-charge through a booking system at Accessibility Services and needs to be returned upon use.
Students registered with Accessibility Services have access to technology liaison staff to assist the development and use of technologies that support independent learning for students with impairments
Library Accessibility Space - located on Level 2 of the Student Centre Library.
Accessibility Services staff will be happy to show you through and talk over any specific needs you might have. This space is accessible during the Central Library's opening hours.
On campus accessibility
Maps of the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses can be accessed on the Campus Location webpage. There are a number of mobility parks available on the Hamilton city campus, their locations can be viewed on the campus map. To access a mobility parking space you must be a holder of an Operation Mobility permit issued by the CCS Disability Action or a Temporary Mobility Parking Permit.
Mobility parking is available around the Tauranga campus, however, an Operation Mobility permit is required.
Most buildings are universally accessible and are traversed by either level entrance, ramp or lift. A list of the buildings with lift access on Hamilton campus is provided here: Campus lifts
A list of the location for universal access toilet on Hamilton campus is provided here: Universal access toilets.
Accessibility Service Registration
The Accessibility Service provides information and services to assist you in your studies. Students are encouraged to make contact with the Accessibility Service early.
Students who require alternative print formats or the use of a sign language interpreter should contact the Service well before enrolment in order for the support systems to be set up in advance of your course.
Registration Form
Please complete the registration under the ‘Accessibility Services’ tab on MyWaikato.
Applications for support services must include current supporting documentation from a doctor, therapist, or other appropriate health professional. Seeking information about a student’s condition is used by the Accessibility Services Office in establishing and verifying the impairment and understanding how impairment may impact a student. This also serves in making informed decisions about accommodations alongside the student.
Supporting documentation could include the following:
- Be current and provide a specific diagnosis of the disability, impairment or medical condition and identify whether the disability is permanent, temporary or fluctuating
- Describe in detail the limitations/impact this disability has on the individual and on their study
- Recommend specific equipment and/or support services and why these are needed
- Establish the professional credentials of the evaluator.
This can be uploaded to MyWaikato as part of the registration or sent directly to accessibilityservices@waikato.ac.nz once registered
Who are Accessibility Services?
We are a small dedicated team, with a strong focus on providing a quality robust service that works for the students who engage with us. Our aim is to provide all students at the University of Waikato chances to succeed academically regardless of whatever impairments they may be experiencing and to have the opportunity to have a positive and engaging student experience.
We run drop-in sessions between 10am - 11am Monday to Friday on the Hamilton campus and 10am - 11am Tuesday and Wednesday on the Tauranga campus. Outside those times, appointments can be made to meet with any of our team.
Meet the team
Hamilton Campus – Located on Level One of the Student Centre
Terry Johnston - Accessibility Advisor
Terry brings many years of experience working with and supporting people, from the youth to the elderly. He has a holistic approach to wellness and is passionate about seeing people thrive and succeed.
Cori Poimatagi - Accessibility Advisor
Cori comes with years of experience supporting disadvantaged youth, adults and whanau move toward achieving their goals and improved mental well-being. He believes in creating an enabling environment for students to support with their learning and also empowering them to access supports on campus. Cori is also a registered Occupational Therapist.
Tauranga Campus – Located on Level One with the Student Advisors
Caro Genet - Accessibility Advisor
Caro comes with a wide range of experience supporting students with diversity in their learning at tertiary level. She also has many years of experience working with, and advocating for people in their everyday lives. As part of the Accessibility Team, Caro enjoys using an ecological perspective to create accessible learning solutions.
Resources
There is a vast array of additional information and resources available aimed at enhancing the educational experience of students with an impairment.
New software applications, many free, are regularly released and made available over the internet for downloading and use on your PC, laptop, smartphone, touch devices and other portable hardware. These, along with in-built accessibility features included in software by developers such as Microsoft, Apple and Google are worth checking out and making use of. The version of software you are currently using will determine exactly which features are available to you.
Microsoft accessibility features
Microsoft's Ease of Access Centre enables adjustment to settings to make your PC easier to see, hear and use. On-board programs include: Magnifier, On-Screen Keyboard, Narrator Screen Reader, Speech recognitions, and keyboard control functions for mouse alternative navigation. View online at www.microsoft.com/enable/ or talk to Accessibility Services staff.
Apple's accessibility features
Apple's operating systems include in-built accessibility features and programs to allow user adjustment to suit individual needs with regard to vision, hearing, physical and motor skills and literacy and learning. Programs include: Zoom screen magnification, Voice Over screen reader, Text to Speech and assistive technologies that can help you navigate your computer even if you have difficulties using the keyboard, mouse, and trackpad. View online at www.apple.com/accessibility/ or talk to Accessibility Services staff.
Google's accessibility features
Google has developed a range of tools to make using its software and products more accessible and user-friendly for people with disabilities. Products include ChromeVox with screen-reader, keyboard shortcuts and low vision features built into the Chrome web browser. View online at www.google.co.nz/accessibility/ or talk to Accessibility Services staff.
Alongside assistance on campus, you may also need support in other everyday settings such as at home or as you go about living your daily life out and about in the community. Sometimes people already have this everyday assistance organised but will need to make sure the necessary adjustments are made to meet the demands of on-campus life and study. The following is a list of organisations that provide assistance towards your daily living, including your home, educational and vocational pursuits. Accessibility Services staff will be happy to link you to further impairment support groups and government organisations including:
Disability Support Link – DSL
Disability Support Link provides assessment and service coordination to assist in obtaining home support services for people with disability in the Waikato, King Country, Thames Valley and Coromandel Peninsula. Services include:
» Household assistance
» Personal care
» Carer support
» Residential care and support
» Referrals to other support services.
For more information freephone 0800 55 33 99 or visit Disability Support Link.
Support Net
In the Bay of Plenty District Health Board area, people with an impairment can access support services through Support Net. It’s a needs assessment and service coordination service for people with an impairment. For more information Freephone 0800 262 477, email SupportNetBOP@bopdhb.govt.nz or visit Support Net website.
Training Support funds
Workbridge administers Training Support which can be used to cover study costs related to your impairment such as personal support, transport costs, equipment costs and New Zealand Sign Language interpreters. When other avenues of funding have been exhausted, Workbridge offers an additional maximum of $15,600 for each individual. Anyone with an impairment can submit an application and you don’t have to be registered with Workbridge to access the funds.
Application forms and information are available from the Workbridge website www.workbridge.co.nz.
For advice and information contact Support Funds Central Processing Unit phone 0508 967 527 or email cpu@workbridge.co.nz.
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health provides funding for a wide range of services and contract providers such as Disability Support Link and Enable New Zealand to support people with disability. Services include:
- Needs Assessment and Services Co-ordination service – NASC
- Equipment and Modification Services (includes housing and vehicle)
- Hearing and Vision Services
- Home and Community Support Services
- Supported Living.
To read about the full range of services and how to access them from your local area, go to https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/support-and-services
ACC Accident Compensation Corporation
ACC provides financial and other support to encourage people to return to work after acquiring an injury or an impairment through an accident. If you are an ACC customer, contact your case manager to discuss an educational plan well before you start at the University and find out whether you are eligible for equipment or support. Phone 0800 101 996 or visit www.acc.govt.nz.
Enable New Zealand (ENZ)
ENZ deliver a range of services for people with an impairment and their families, including contracted services for the Ministry of Health, District Health Boards and Accident Compensation Corporation. For more information phone 0800 362 253, email enable@enable.co.nz or visit www.enable.co.nz.
Blind Foundation
Students with vision impairment may need to arrange for orientation and mobility training through the Blind Foundation before commencing their studies. Please contact the Blind Foundation on phone 0800 2433 33.
Total Mobility
Total Mobility is a ‘door to door’ national transport scheme involving impairment support agencies, taxi companies and local government. The scheme is designed to increase the mobility of people with disability to allow equitable access to the community.
For information regarding the scheme and your eligibility for Total Mobility vouchers, please contact either your local branch of CCS Disability Action, Waikato Regional Council or Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
The following websites provide useful information and evaluations of a range of impairment equipment.
ACHIEVE is a national network established to ensure equal opportunity and access to tertiary education and training for people with an impairment. Its membership includes students with an impairment, family and friends, tertiary education providers and service providers in the community. The University of Waikato is a corporate member of ACHIEVE.
The ACHIEVE newsletter is a good way of keeping in touch with what is happening at a national level. For more information or to apply for individual membership check out their web-site www.achieve.org.nz
Contact Accessibility Services
The Accessibility Service staff provide and coordinate individual support for students with an impairment. In Hamilton we are located on level one in the Student Centre. For Tauranga, please contact the team to discuss support options.