Disability and neurodiversity support in the Library

Whether you're studying from home or on campus, RMIT's dedicated Library staff – including librarians and academic skills advisors – can help you access Library services, resources and facilities.

Get to know your campus library

Library Concierge

When you visit the Library, you will find our friendly Library Concierge team near the entrance ready to direct you to our collections and study spaces. They can also help you with:

Before visiting, check your campus Library's opening hours and locations.

Explore your Library before you visit

Learning your Library space ahead of time can help you feel more confident and prepared. Take a virtual tour of your campus Library to see what to expect when you arrive.

To navigate the tour:

  • click and drag to explore each 3D space, or
  • use the Tab key to move between interactive points.

Can we make this tour better? Let us know at digital.learning.library@rmit.edu.au.

Study sessions and support

Neurodiverse study sessions

Everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to studying. Lately, the idea of ‘body doubling’, or working quietly with a small group of people around, has taken off – and for good reason. Studying alongside likeminded people offers the accountability and community that solo sessions can’t.

The Library, ELS and RUSU are excited to offer tailored study sessions in a sensory-friendly Library space. While the sessions are specifically designed to support neurodivergent students, everyone is welcome to join us and collaborate with fellow students who share similar goals.

Sessions run weekly at Bundoora and the City campuses throughout the semester. The full schedule is advertised in the events sections on the Library and Students websites.

Help with assessments

Our Study Support team can help with:

  • research, writing, referencing, math, science and general study techniques
  • questions relating to the neurodiverse study sessions and workshops.

Visit the Library support for students page for a full range of options on offer.

If you are uncertain how to get help, email our Study Support team on studysupport@rmit.edu.au.

Study space options

Sensory-friendly study room

The Swanston Library's sensory-friendly study room is located in Building 12 on Level 5, Room 104, just across from the Study Support Hub. Enter the Library in Building 10 level 5, go left then follow the walkway through to Building 12.

This room can be accessed during Library opening hours, no booking required.

Decorative.

In Room 104 you will find: 

  • adjustable lighting and privacy film on the windows
  • couches, coffee tables, foot stools, chairs
  • plants
  • lockers
  • access to a balcony via a push-button.

  • Please be mindful that this is a shared space that can be used by multiple students at any given time.
  • Food may be consumed in the spaces, but please be mindful of other users.
  • For your safety, the room is not lockable. Security and/or staff may check on the room while it is in use.
  • Feel free to move furniture or other items in the room to suit your needs.
  • If you require stimming toys or other aids to help you self-regulate, please bring your own.
There are two other sensory-friendly rooms for neurodivergent students on city campus. The rooms are located in: 
  • Building 56, Level 4, Room 91 
  • Building 80, Level 3, Room 013.

Group study rooms and silent study areas

Open study spaces, silent study areas, and group study rooms are available at each Library site. 

Find out more about Library study rooms and spaces.

Course readings and collections

Accessible course readings

Many of the Library databases, including e-books and journal articles, are screen readable and comply with accessibility standards. If your course readings are in a format that is not accessible to you, the Equitable Learning and Disability Service can arrange their conversion to a format you need. Contact them for assistance with this.

Searching and accessing Library collections

Not sure how to search or access our collections? Help is available via Ask the Library chat (the chat button appears throughout the Library website), or email us on lib.ask@rmit.edu.au.

If you have a current Equitable Learning Plan, you can request physical items to be posted to you. Instructions are available on the Document Delivery Services page.

Assistive technology

Assistive (or adaptive) technology refers to devices and software that make it possible for people with disabilities to use computers. To access the assistive technology programs on Library computers, you need to register with Equitable Learning and Disability Service. Contact them if you need training, or if you are unsure which assistive technology program is best for you.

The following programs are available on any Library PC:

  • ZoomText is a screen magnification software for students with low vision.
  • Read and Write Gold is a literacy assistance software that reads most file types.
  • ClaroRead helps with reading online documents.
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking is a voice recognition software for writing.
  • JAWS is a screen reading software for students who are blind and have low vision.

The Library has dedicated PCs with assistive technology. Bookings are not required.

  • Inspiration for graphical idea representation and essay structuring.
  • Omni Page Professional for OCR-ing and scanning (Assistive technology PCs with scanners available at all Libraries except Swanston).
  • Closed circuit television for enlarging text.

TTY telephone typewriters:

Brunswick Payphone TTY in Building 514, Level 1, Cafe area.

Find out more about accessing assistive software and other benefits of registering with Equitable Learning and Disability Service.

Current study sessions and workshops

aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information