Student and Staff feedback on Flinders University’s draft ‘2023-2026 – Disability Action Plan’ (the DAP) has now closed, with feedback received currently under review.
Introduction to the DAP
Flinders University’s Strategic Plan Making a Difference: The 2025 Agenda outlines the University’s commitment “to Champion diversity and create a vibrant, inclusive and values based community that makes Flinders the destination of choice for students and staff”.
The Flinders University Disability Policy (DP) affirms Flinders commitment to providing an environment where students and staff with disability are valued, supported, and encouraged, and are able to, as far as practicably possible, participate fully and independently in the life of the University. The University is committed to complying with all relevant legislation regarding access and equity for people with disabilities.
What’s the current DAP about?
This DAP, in conjunction with the Flinders University Disability Policy sets out the University’s approach to defining and meeting its obligations and responsibilities under Part 3 of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 and is lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
The role of the University’s Disability and Accessibility Committee (UDAC) is to oversee and monitor the implementation of the DAP by coordinating initiatives across the University and ensuring that the goals and strategies from the DAP continue to be aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan.
Biannual reports are to be provided to the Vice-Chancellor via the Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, on the implementation and effectiveness of the DAP and Disability Policy.
The DAP takes account of the associated Disability Standards for Education 2005. Universities Australia (formerly Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (AVCC)) Guidelines on Information Access for Students with Print Disabilities (November 2004) and Guidelines Relating to Students with Disabilities (May 2006) which were predicated on the following two key principles:
(i) that Universities will uphold academic standards such that students graduate with the requisite skills and knowledge associated with the degree conferred; and
(ii) that Universities provide students with disabilities with the opportunity to realise their academic and social potential and to participate fully in university life.
