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.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Equitable Learning Plans, extensions and special consideration for students with a Plan, and more.
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:
You will have to:
When you tell us about your disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition, you have the right to:
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:
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.
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:
Videos and information about some common assistive software is below.
For: if you have difficulties typing and writing
What it does:
Watch the video below to see how Dragon speech recognition software can be used in your studies.
An introduction to Dragon voice recognition software and how you can use it in your studies.
For: if you have difficulties reading print materials
What it does:
Watch the video below to see how ClaroRead can be used in your studies.
An introduction to ClaroRead software and how you can use it in your studies.
For: if you have low vision or disabilities that make it difficult to view information on computer screens
What it does:
For: if you have low vision or are blind
What it does:
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.
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.