Friday 30 March 2012

Disability is not a cute little joke...

ABC Ramp Up writer Stella Young reports on Joe Hildebrand's tweet last week and what it means for the disability community...

"I just want to say I think it's great that Sydney Airport is providing so many jobs for the mentally handicapped." - Joe Hildbrand



View the article here: http://www.abc.net.au/rampup/articles/2012/02/08/3425691.htm

What are your thoughts????

Friday 23 March 2012

Disability Service News

Census Date

Remember enrolment census for study period 2 is fast approaching, March 31st. If you need to modify your study load, now is the time to do it before you are locked into enrolments and fees. You can contact a Disability Adviser if you would like to discuss your study load.


Ability Equipment Grants & Cowan Ability Grants - apply before 31st March
The Cowan Ability Grants target recent school leavers with disability, mental health or medical conditions who have completed high school within two years of commencing their current university program and who have successfully completed a year of study. The Ability Equipment Grants scheme will assist students to purchase equipment and/or software which will assist them with their studies. Online applications open in mid-February each year through the Scholarships Management System and grants are usually awarded in May. Eligible students may apply for and be awarded grants at other times, subject to the availability of funds. If you require a hard copy grant application form, please email disability@unisa.edu.au


Alternative Exam Arrangements
Students who may need alternative exam arrangements due to their disability, mental health or medical condition should make contact with a Disability Adviser as soon as possible to discuss options and support available. Arrangements need to be finalised at least 4 weeks prior to the main exam periods. Students will be notified no later than 1 week prior to the exams to confirm arrangements. Please refer to the Alternative Exam Arrangements webpage for more information.


Personal Emergency Evacuation PlanDo you need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation on campus? The university can develop a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to provide appropriate assistance for people with disabilities during emergency evacuation. If you would like to develop a PEEP please contact the Disability Adviser on your campus.


Last Call for Applications for the Willing and Able Mentoring Program

Applications for the Willing and Able Mentoring Program (WAM) have been extended until Friday 30th March. WAM matches students with a disability, with a mentor in their chosen field of work. Please send a 100 word statement about why you should be accepted into WAM to disability@unisa.edu.au.

Friday 16 March 2012

How's your academic writing???

We covered reading last week, but how's your writing??


 
Many students with disabilities have to develop strategies to manage the impact of their disability on writing tasks. Students who experience pain or fatigue when writing, schedule frequent rest breaks, and may work in a variety of positions, such as lying down with a laptop, standing at a lectern and sitting at a desk. It is important to ensure that your working environment is ergonomically designed and that you are aware of good working postures, especially when working at a computer for long periods.

 

Many students find simple strategies can minimise pain and fatigue associated with long writing stints. These include:
  • Frequent rest breaks.
  • Ergonomic work station. See here for tips: http://www.unisa.edu.au/ohsw/procedures/workstationarrangement.asp 
  • Get started early. Having short days writing is better than a few days of cramming.
  • Learn to use keyboard shortcuts.
  • Be mindful of your body. Stop and rest if you are experiencing additional pain or fatigue.
  • Work at times of the day that suit you. No point starting at 7.00am if you can't think.
  • Make sure your keyboard and mouse suit your needs.
  • Use writing resources to improve your academic writing skills. For example the academic writing online tutorial: http://resource.unisa.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1335
If you need help to manage the impact of your disability on writing speak with a Disability Adviser: http://www.unisa.edu.au/disabilityservices/contact/appointment.asp 

Friday 9 March 2012

End of week 2...

Congratulations, you've survived the first two weeks of classes, readings and study (or have you?!)...

This week's Blog is focussing on reading... there is more to reading at university than just reading...


 
Reading is an essential component of learning at UniSA. You are expected to read widely in order to consider different perspectives on your course topics and to express ideas in your assignments.

The web resource found at the link below provides resources to guide you towards more efficient and effective reading practices. It includes information on the following topics:
  • Reading effectively
  • Useful strategies for reading
  • Reading critically
  • Dealing with difficult readings
  • What to do when you don't understand
  • Making notes from readings
  • Noting for different purposes
  • What to note
  • How to make notes
  • Using a table, chart or diagram for noting
 The Reading web resource is found here: http://resource.unisa.edu.au/mod/book/view.php?id=4245



  

 

 

Friday 2 March 2012

Two Grants Available for Students with a Disability

Ability Equipment Grants

The Ability Equipment Grants scheme will assist UniSA students with disabilities to purchase equipment and/or software which will assist them with their studies. Please note that the grants are not available to cover text book purchases or living related expenses such as travel costs.


Online applications open in mid February each year through the Scholarships Management System and grants are usually awarded in May. Eligible students may apply for and be awarded grants at other times, subject to the availability of funds. If you require a hard copy grant application form, please email disability@unisa.edu.au  
Value: Up to $1,000 based on quoted value of equipment.

Cowan Ability Grants
Grants are available to assist students who have disabilities to manage the additional expenses associated with studying with disabilities. Many students with disabilities require additional equipment, have travel expenses and limited ability to earn additional income whilst studying.


The Cowan Ability Grants target recent school leavers who have completed high school within two years of commencing their current university program and who have successfully completed a year of study (equivalent to 36 units). This has been identified as a time when students are often struggling with the financial cost associated with continuing their study.
Online applications will open through my Scholarships in mid February.
Value: $2,000
For more information about these grants contact:
Learning & Teaching Unit
Disability Service
Email: disability@unisa.edu.au