Equitable Learning FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Equitable Learning Plans, extensions and special consideration for students with a Plan, and more.

Equitable Learning Plan registration process

You only need to tell the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team about your diagnosis if it will impact your study experience at RMIT and you need support from us.

You can contact ELS at any time during your studies. However, we recommend students to register with us as early in the semester as possible so that you can access relevant support early and maximise your opportunities to succeed. 

The information you choose to share with us is kept confidential and it won’t be on any of your academic records. In the initial appointment with an ELS advisor, you will be able to decide what is or is not shared with your academic/teaching staff on your Equitable Learning Plan.

Talk to us about how your disability impacts your ability to take part in your studies. You will need to provide supporting documentation from your registered health practitioner. 

After you tell us about your condition and you register with us, we will work with you to reduce the impact of your disability on your ability to consistently participate in your studies.

We will:

  • Email a PDF copy of your Equitable Learning Plan (the document we discussed at your appointment) to your student email. The email will be sent from 'RMIT Connect'
  • Send your Equitable Learning Plan to a nominated contact person in your School for distribution to your course coordinators, lecturers and tutors
  • Send your Equitable Learning Plan to the Library so they can better help you use Library resources and find accessible information. Find out more about Disability contacts at RMIT Library.

You will have to:

  • Read your Equitable Learning Plan, and get to know it well
  • Email your Equitable Learning Plan to new teaching staff throughout the academic year
  • Ensure that your Equitable Learning Plan is working. If you are concerned about how your Equitable Learning Plan is being implemented, speak to your teachers/academics first. If your Equitable Learning Plan isn’t being followed, contact the ELS team immediately.

When you tell us about your disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition, you have the right to:

  • Only disclose to the ELS team to organise appropriate assistance, without having to disclose your disability to teachers/academics
  • Have your personal information treated confidentially and respectfully

All staff at RMIT must treat your personal information confidentially and respectfully in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2000 and the Health Records Act 2001.

You are responsible for:

  • Advising staff in a timely manner of your needs in relation to your disability
  • Understanding the requirements of the program or course that you are undertaking. This may include being aware of the inherent requirements for registering with a relevant professional body.

Assessments and extensions

If you have the Equitable Assessment Arrangement for ‘Extensions’ within your Equitable Learning Plan, please inform the teacher/academic responsible for the assessment via email. Clearly ask for an extension and suggest a reasonable new due date that considers the impacts of your disability, illness and/or mental health condition and the type of assessment.

You need to suggest a new due date, which may be MORE than seven days. You cannot seek an extension if the due date has passed. 

The most common extension request is 14 days for a 2000 word assignment. Your teachers are able to grant you an initial extension of over seven days without having to follow the standard special consideration process.

If you have Equitable Assessment Arrangement for 'Extensions', your Learning Plan is the only evidence you need to provide. You may need to fill out a form if your School requires it, but you do not need to provide a medical certificate or any additional evidence. 

If it is your first extension, you do not need to apply for special consideration. Direct your teacher/academic to your Equitable Learning Plan where this is clearly stated. If you aren’t able to implement your extension request, contact ELS for assistance.

If you require a second extension, you will need to apply for special consideration

If you can't get a response from your teaching staff, please contact your Program Manager. If you don't hear back, contact ELS for assistance. 

Yes. They apply to exams, in-class and online tests, and practical based assessments.

General

To view RMIT's Accessibility Action Plan or Campus Accessibility Maps, go to the Accessibility page.

There are a range of technologies available to assist you with your studies. 

When you register with Equitable Learning Services we can:

  • Discuss which technologies are most suitable for you
  • Help you access the technology or software
  • Show you how it works
  • Introduce you to other items that might be helpful.

Videos and information about some common assistive software is below.

Dragon speech recognition software

For: if you have difficulties typing and writing

What it does:

  • Converts speech to text – the computer ‘types’ what you say into a document (or other formats)
  • Allows you to use the computer with minimal use of keyboard or mouse

Watch the video below to see how Dragon speech recognition software can be used in your studies.

Dragon voice recognition software

An introduction to Dragon voice recognition software and how you can use it in your studies.

ClaroRead

For: if you have difficulties reading print materials

What it does:

  • Reads electronic text to you in a life-like voice
  • Additional features can assist you with reading and writing tasks

Watch the video below to see how ClaroRead can be used in your studies.

ClaroRead assistive technology

An introduction to ClaroRead software and how you can use it in your studies.

ZoomText

For: if you have low vision or disabilities that make it difficult to view information on computer screens

What it does:

  • Increases the size of text and information on your computer screen
  • Reads text aloud to you in a life-like voice, handy if read lengthy documents
  • Changes the contrast and enhances other commonly used features on computers
     

JAWS

For: if you have low vision or are blind

What it does:

  • Gives you access to the internet and other software applications
  • Allows you to use a Windows computer by using the keyboard only and without needing to look at the computer screen

More information

For more information about equitable learning and support for students with a disability, long-term illness or mental health condition, go to Equitable learning and disability.

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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.