Equitable learning and disability
Support and equal opportunities for students with a disability, long-term illness or mental health condition, and primary carers of individuals with a disability.
The Equitable Learning Services team (ELS team) supports and creates equal opportunities for students with a disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition. We also support primary carers.
ELS works in partnership with students to create an Equitable Learning Plan. Your plan is tailored to you, supports your needs and establishes how RMIT can provide ongoing assistance so you can access and participate in your studies as any other students. The ELS team can assist you to manage your Equitable Learning Plan.
We ensure that students are included in all aspects of university life and we value students’ input to continuously improve our services.
The ELS team have been super helpful in putting together my Equitable Learning Plan, sharing it with the relevant teachers, and continually assisting me during assignments to ensure that I can do my best.
– Melissa Gissara, RMIT Alumni
Equitable Learning Services are available to RMIT students with the following:
We do not provide support to students who have short term conditions or injuries for less than 6 months or an uncomplicated pregnancy, however you may be able to get support through Extensions or special consideration.
You are welcome to contact ELS if you are unsure if you meet the criteria above, please send an enquiry to the ELS team for a confidential discussion.
We work with you in developing an individual Equitable Learning Plan that provides reasonable adjustments to ensure you can participate in your studies. This could include:
Your Teachers/Academics will be provided with a copy of your Equitable Learning Plan to make the study adjustments outlined in your plan.
The ELS team cannot provide you with:
If we cannot assist you, we will explain why and provide you with information about other student services available to you.
It’s important that you contact the ELS team and make an appointment as soon as you are enrolled in your program so an Equitable Learning Plan can be put in place as soon as possible. To register, follow the steps below.
Take the form to your healthcare professional (eg. doctor, psychiatrist, etc) so they can complete the relevant section. If there is other supporting documentation that relates to your condition/disability (e.g. Learning Assessment Report or Vision/Hearing Report), please obtain this from your healthcare professional as well.
Book an appointment with an ELS Advisor. Please bring your completed form and any other relevant supporting documentation to the appointment or email it to els@rmit.edu.au before your appointment. At the appointment, ELS will assess your documentation and work with you to develop your individual Equitable Learning Plan.
Note: If you are a student studying at Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), please also Download the SIM Student Background Information Form (DOC, 2MB), fill it out and email your application to the address provided on the form.
If your Equitable Learning Plan expires or you move programs, you can renew or update it by sending an enquiry to ELS via Student Connect portal for direction on the appropriate course of action. ELS will advise you whether you’ll require a follow up appointment. Equitable Learning Plan expiry dates are established for the following reasons:
Please ensure you advise ELS if you change programs so that your Equitable Learning Plan will be sent to the relevant School and Teachers/Academics.
Equitable Learning Services can organise enabling support staff including Auslan Interpreters, participation assistants, notetakers, readers and scribes. These services can be discussed at your initial appointment and if you require support from enabling assistance staff these adjustments will be included in your Equitable Learning Plan.
To request enabling assistance staff during semester or for an assessment, send an enquiry to ELS via the Student Connect portal.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Equitable Learning Plans, extensions and special consideration for students with a Plan, and more via the link below.
Find all ELS forms in one place.
See the How to register tab for instructions on how to register.
Equitable Learning Services values diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds and is affirming of identities that intersect lived experience of disability. We are committed to offering inclusive, respectful, and safe spaces both online and physically and we encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to RMIT. Learn more about RMIT's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Book an appointment to register for an Equitable Learning Plan, update your Plan or discuss our services.
To book, click the button below and select the service "Equitable Learning Services (disability)".
Appointments are available 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, excluding public holidays. Appointments are generally via phone or online. If you require a face-to-face appointment, please note this when you book your appointment.
Send an enquiry or call us if you have any questions about the services we provide. One of our team will be happy to assist you.
Phone: +61 3 9925 5000 (9am-5pm Mon-Thu, 10am-5pm Fri, excluding public holidays)
If you book an appointment or send an enquiry, you’ll need to log in with your RMIT ID number and password.
Want to find out about the latest ELS updates? Sign up for the ELS newsletter.
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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
