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. 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:
You are welcome to contact ELS for a confidential discussion if you are unsure if you meet the criteria above.
The ELS team does not provide support to students who:
Ineligible students can apply for extensions or special consideration if they require assessment support.
ELS can only support current students who are enrolled in a program. If you are a prospective student, we can provide general information only.
We collaborate with you to develop a personalised Equitable Learning Plan, ensuring you have the reasonable adjustments needed to participate in your studies. Support may include:
Your educators will receive a copy of your Equitable Learning Plan, outlining the accommodations necessary to support your learning journey.
ELS are unable to support students with the following matters:
If we cannot assist you, we will explain why and provide you with information about other student services available to you.
RMIT Communications Student Timothy Winning, talks about his experience with RMIT's Equitable Learning Services and explain how other students can access support.
The ELS can help you at any time during your studies. However, we encourage you to request support as early in semester as possible so that your adjustments are in place ahead of key deadlines linked to assessments.
Alternatively, we can accept a signed and dated report or letter from your medical practitioner that includes:
Once you submit the Equitable Learning Support form, your documents will be reviewed and verified. Once verified, you'll receive a confirmation email and a member of the ELS team will contact you via your student email or phone to discuss appropriate support.
Please allow up to 24 hours to receive emails or other communication from the ELS team.
During your ELS appointment, an Advisor will discuss your condition, learning impacts and support you to develop an Equitable Learning Plan.
After your appointment, a PDF copy of your plan will be sent to your RMIT student email. The email will be sent from 'RMIT Connect'. You will also be sent emails with information about how to implement your adjustments, useful links and resources, and ELS contact details so you can request further support from the ELS team, as needed.
A copy of your plan will also be sent to your School for distribution to your teachers each semester, so they are aware of your plan and any required adjustments.
If your circumstances change during your studies, it's your responsibility to contact ELS so that your Equitable Learning Plan can be updated. Changes to your circumstances might include:
If your Equitable Learning Plan expires, you can contact ELS to renew it. You may need to provide documentation that confirms your disability/condition is ongoing and/or continues to impact your studies.
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.
RMIT makes available support and resources for staff whose role involves teaching or supporting students with disability.
For information and guidance about your role when implementing equitable learning plans and equitable assessment arrangements, and understanding inherent requirements go to Equity, diversity and inclusion for educators (login required).
For training resources and professional development opportunities, go to IDEA events and programs (SharePoint).
For more information about disability inclusion, go to Inclusive teaching.
Are you a staff member with a disability? Go to Accessibility for more information.
Submit an enquiry to the ELS team if you:
Enquiries are monitored from 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, excluding public holidays. Please note, response times may vary during busy times like the start of semester and assessment periods.
Consult rooms are open by appointment only. You must book an appointment (see above) if you wish to meet with an ELS team member face-to-face. Consult rooms are not staffed by ELS team members outside appointment times.
ELS consult rooms are located at RMIT City campus:
Buildings 8 and 10 are connected at ground level. Both can be accessed from Bowen Street (mobility access) or from Swanston Street.
For detailed access information, download the relevant PDF below:
Our Disability Transition Support Officer will be a friendly contact point and provide guidance to students throughout their first 90 days of enrolment in Vocational Education (TAFE).
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.
RMIT acknowledges that language concerning identity continues to evolve. In accordance with guidance provided by the Australian Network on Disability, RMIT uses ‘person first’ language to describe people with disability, while acknowledging many people with disability prefer to use identity-first language. Identity-first language puts a person’s disability identity before the person – for example, ‘disabled person’ or ‘Autistic’ – instead of ‘person with autism’; ‘Deaf’ – instead of ‘person who is deaf’. Many prefer to use identity-first language as they regard their disability as a key part of their identity. They use identity-first language to show their connection to the disability community, demonstrate disability pride and emphasise that it is society that is disabling. Of course, when interacting directly with people or describing them, we respect and use their preferred way of describing themselves.
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.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
