Disability Support at GCA

Group Colleges Australia (GCA) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment and providing equal opportunities for all members of its community. This commitment extends to ensuring that students with disabilities have fair and equitable access to resources, programs, and opportunities.

Our Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

GCA is committed to promoting an inclusive learning environment and providing equal opportunities for all members of its community to access, participate in, and succeed in their educational and professional endeavours. We value and respect diversity in all its forms, promoting cultural, linguistic, and social diversity, and fostering an environment of mutual respect and dignity.

What is a Disability?

For the purpose of our policy, disability refers to any temporary or permanent limitation, restriction, or impairment that affects a person’s physical, sensory, psychological, or learning processes, and may impact their participation in education or employment. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Physical disabilities
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Psychiatric conditions
  • Neurological disorders
  • Sensory impairments
  • Learning disabilities
  • Medical conditions
  • Temporary disabilities

What are Reasonable Adjustments?

Reasonable adjustments are measures or actions taken to assist a student with a disability to participate in education on the same basis as other students. GCA is committed to providing reasonable adjustments that enable participation by students with specific needs while maintaining academic standards and requirements.

Factors considered when determining reasonable adjustments include:

  • The nature of the disability or special need
  • The effect on the student’s ability to achieve learning outcomes
  • The impact on others in the learning environment
  • The costs and benefits of making the adjustment
  • Available resources and timeframes
  • Professional and accreditation requirements
  • The views of the student
  • The impact on academic integrity

 

Examples of support and accommodation measures may include:

  • Providing reasonable adjustments for individuals with specific needs
  • Ensuring accessible physical and digital environments
  • Offering appropriate support services and resources
  • Responding effectively to individual requirements
  • Accessible campus facilities
  • Inclusive digital platforms
  • Appropriate signage and wayfinding
  • Safe spaces for diverse groups

Requesting Support and Adjustments

Students are encouraged to request support when needed. Our support services include:

  • Academic support programs
  • Language and literacy assistance
  • Disability support services
  • Cultural and pastoral care
  • Financial assistance programs

Our Responsibilities

All staff at GCA are expected to comply with policy, exhibit inclusive behaviour, report discrimination, and support diversity initiatives. Academic staff specifically are responsible for implementing inclusive teaching practices, fair assessment design, and reasonable adjustments.

For more information, refer to our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy on:

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