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ABILITY PLUS

March 2000, Issue No. 18
Newsletter for Students with Special Needs.

WHAT'S NEW FOR THE DSU?

New Premises

The Disability Support Unit moved into its new premises in July, 1999. For those of you who have not yet visited the new DSU, it is located in the Student Facilities Building in Union Court, between the Students Association and the Arts Centre.

The new premises contain a spacious reception and foyer area, a waiting area, two comfortable offices, storage space and two Resource Rooms containing most of the assistive technology equipment. There is also a kitchen and disabled toilet facilities in the brand new, bright and airy space. The premises are located on the same level as the Chifley Library, and access is via the balcony on this level or by the stairs or lift at the Arts Centre end of the building. Currently, the lift is able to be accessed by card or key access only, although we are investigating other options to make this more readily available.

It is great to see the University giving such a high profile space to the DSU, because not only is it a far more pleasant, practical and effective space for the Unit, but it also making a statement that the ANU values its students with a disability very highly, and is prepared to invest resources in their educational opportunities.

New Staff

The new Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) is Trevor Allan, who began in the job at the end of May, 1999. Although many of us have met over the ensuing months, there are still some I have not caught up with, so hopefully we will have chance to meet this year.

One big change is that the position is now full-time, so the DSU is usually open 9 to 5 Monday to Friday. Although it's better to make an appointment to see me, if you need to drop in, it's better to make it between 10 am and 3 pm when our new Administration Officer, Riekie Lee is on duty.

Neil Rice continues as the Assistive Technology Officer, and is available from 9 am to 12 noon each day for assistance, training and support with computers and other assistive technology.

New Equipment

Thanks to the Graduate School's generous donation, we now have a new Pentium 111 Computer that is running the latest version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking continuous Speech Recognition software. A number of students have been using the equipment, and have reported very good results. We are in the process of upgrading the other Voice Recognition Computer to the same specifications. Also, we are upgrading two other computers-one Macintosh and one PC to the latest hardware and software specifications. The result will be a range of fast, reliable computers running the latest software. All the computers are connected to the university Network, for Internet and email access.

If anyone needs any training or support in the use of the computers or particular programs, please contact Neil on 6125 2344 to arrange a time. We can also arrange 24 hour Card Access to the Resource Room if needed. Contact Trevor to arrange the access.

We are also investing in a high-speed dual audio tape copying machine to facilitate the copying of Lecture tapes. More on this later, as we work out arrangements with the Library.

Photocopying facilities are also available in the Resource Room. A new photocopier with detachable controls for height adjustment has been installed. It is available for student use at 10c a copy, using Copy Cards. These cards are available from DSU staff in denominations of $5 and $2.

DSU REVIEW RELEASED

The Report of the Disability Support Unit Review Committee was released in November, 1999, and in the words of Dr Miller, the Director of SASS, it is a "very positive" report. The Committee, chaired by the Dean of Students, Dr Selwyn Cornish, met on 5 occasions during 1999, and received written submissions and interviewed a range of students and staff in the process of the review.

The report stated "All submissions and those interviewed were positive and strong in their support of the work of the Disability Support Unit and particularly appreciative of the role Mrs Miller had played. All were insistent that the Unit should continue." Such strong support for the work of the DSU is reflected in the 16 recommendations which are made in the report. Many of the recommendations, such as appointing a full-time Disability Adviser and the provision of Administrative support have already been implemented, and all the other recommendations are in the process of implementation.

Thank you to all who took part in the Review process, particularly for the positive endorsement of the DSU's work. If anyone would like further details of the Review Committee's Report, please contact the DSU. Normally we have only one Access Scholarship to award to a First Year student each year. The scholarships are worth $8,000 per year for three years, and they are highly competitive.

ANUTECH ACCESS SCHOLARSHIPS

This year, due to the generosity and consideration of a previous recipient of the scholarship, we have a one-year Scholarship available to our students. The holder of the scholarship has surrendered this year's scholarship due to a change in their financial circumstances, and the belief that other students may now have a greater need for the funds. We have yet to decide how the money will be allocated, whether it will go to a single student, or be divided amongst a couple of students. But any undergraduate student registered with the DSU is entitled to apply. Please contact the DSU for an Application Form if you are interested in applying. Remember to let us know you are applying for the Special 2000 Access Scholarship.

New Email List for DSU Students

We have established an Email List for students registered with the DSU called ANU-Disability. The List is restricted to students and DSU Staff, and all subscriptions have to be approved by the DLO.

The purpose behind the List is to provide a quick, efficient and effective means of communicating with all DSU students, to pass on information when it becomes available, instead of waiting for a Newsletter. We can also remind you of important dates, which may affect your studies, keep up to date with news and developments, and so on. It also provides a way for students to post messages to the List, knowing that they will go to all other DSU students. You can pass on ideas, information and raise issues for discussion with other students with disabilities on campus.

To subscribe, simply send a message to Trevor.Allan@anu.edu.au with the message "Subscribe ANU-Disability" or phone 6125 5036 and give us your email address. For those who don't use email, you will have an address supplied by the University, and we can provide training in its use.

It is important that we get everyone subscribed and using their email, because otherwise you may miss out on important information, which will only be provided through the List.

So Get Subscribed, and Get Informed! Phone: (02) 6125 5036

Philosophy of the Disability Support Unit

• Encourage maximum access to the University for students with disabilities
• Provide the minimum support necessary to address the effects of a disability
• Encourage Independence at all times
• No unfair advantage through adjustments
• No disadvantage from the effects of the disability
• Encourage acceptance, understanding & awareness of disability issues
• A Fair Go for everyone.

DSU WEB SITE

By Neil Rice, Assistive Technology Officer

The Disability Support Unit's Web Site can be found at the following URL: http://www.anu.edu.au/disabilities. This web site has been extensively upgraded over the last few months to include a new look and the following features:

• A section on Disability Rights, and an overview of disabilities.
• Disability Information including, the ANU Disability Action Plan - June 1997, ANU Endowment Accommodation Bursary Scheme, ANU Policy for People with Disabilities and Assistive Technology for students with a disability at the ANU.
• Disability Booklets and Reports including, a new link to the Learning Disabilities web site "Opening All Options", and some reports written by Trevor Allan on Voice Recognition Software.
• Disability Related Web Sites including Government, Commercial and Community Services in the ACT contains links to services provided to people with a disability in the Australian Capital Territory. General, Government and Employment Sites contains links to disability sites of general interest, government disability related sites and sites relating to employment of people with disabilities. Other Australian Universities contains links to other Australian University's Disability Units. Sites for Disability Groups contains links to sites that relate to each of the disability categories, the Blind and Vision Impaired, the Deaf, Learning Disabilities, Mobility, Mental Health and other groups such CFS, MS and Traumatic Brain Injury. Sites relating to Assistive Technology for people with disabilities. Includes Web page design guidelines, software sites, Building Codes etc.

If anybody has any suggestions on how the web site might be improved or any interesting links that they would like to see on the web site, please feel free to contact Neil Rice, by phone on 6125 2344 or by email on Neil.Rice@anu.edu.au

STUDENT SERVICE PROFILE #1

Study Skills Centre Lower ground Floor Chancelry Annex 6125 2972

The SSC offers help to all ANU students with their academic work. We provide a free and confidential service. We do not test students and we only discuss your progress with academic staff if you want us to do this.

Some students make an appointment to discuss general problems with their studies:

• what do different courses involve?; how can I get myself organised?; what does an Honours degree involve?
  Other students bring more specific problems:
• how do I decide which essay topic to do?; how can I handle all the required reading?; what do they expect in an essay/lab report/book review/Hons thesis...?; how can I improve the argument in this draft?; how can I more effectively structure my essay?; how can I integrate sources into my text?; how do I format references and bibliographies?; how do I avoid plagiarism?; how can I improve my next assignment?; how can I do better in tutorials?

You can phone the SSC or come in personally to make an appointment. If you want help with written undergraduate work, please leave a draft of your assignment at the Centre at least a day before your appointment. Postgraduates with written work such as long research essays, sub-theses, or thesis chapters will need to allow several days or more for these texts to be read before appointments.

For students with disabilities, arrangements can be made to accept work by fax or email. We are located on the ground floor so wheelchair access is available. For students unable to attend SSC courses, arrangements can be made to work with an adviser on an individual basis to cover the course content. All appointments are recorded in pencil, so we are flexible should you be unable to keep an appointment.

At various times of the year the Study Skills Centre runs small group classes. These classes focus on particular aspects of academic study, including -

• Introduction to University Study: Saturday workshop, February & July.
• Induction Program, Faculty of Economics & Commerce for first year students who have English as a second language. Saturday workshop, March & August.
• Essay Writing for Undergraduates: these are held in March, May and August.
• Research Essay Writing for Coursework Postgraduates in March
• Study Issues Series, Fridays, covering time management, researching (what & how), tutorial participation, note-taking and so on.

For more specific information about courses, dates and enrolment contact the Study Skills Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Chancelry Annex. Phone: 6125 2972

Important Dates for Semester 1

FEBRUARY
21 M Orientation Week begins
22 T Anutech Scholarship Closing Date
28 M First Teaching Period and First Semester Begin

MARCH
10 F Last day for enrolling in annual or first semester units
20 M Canberra Day Holiday
31 F HECS Census Date
31 F Accommodation Bursary Closing date

APRIL
3 M Winter Session begins
14 F First Teaching Period Ends
19 W Conferring of Degrees ceremonies (10am and 2pm)
20 Th Conferring of Degrees ceremonies (10am and 2pm)
21 F Good Friday Holiday
24 M Easter Monday Holiday
25 T Anzac Day Holiday

MAY
1 M Second Teaching Period Begins
12 F Graduation Ceremony (6pm)
19 F Last day to withdraw without failure from first semester units

JUNE
9 F Second Teaching Period and First Semester Ends
12 M Queen's Birthday Holiday
Four week lecture break begins
15 Th First Semester Examinations Begin (Faculties)
19 M Last day for receipt of re-enrolment terms from students enrolling or re-enrolling in second Semester units only
28 W First Semester Examinations Conclude

ACCOMMODATION BURSARIES

The University Accommodation Service Accommodation Bursary for a Student with a Disability applications close on the 31st March, 2000.

The Bursaries provide for an Accommodation Subsidy at an ANU Hall of Residence for a period of up to 40 weeks. Information about the Bursary, Conditions of Award, and an Application Form can be found on the web at: http://www.anu.edu.au/accom/bursaries.html or you can call into the DSU to pick up a copy. To qualify for the Bursary, students must be:

• an enrolled ANU student;
• enrolled as a candidate for award;
• be listed with the University as a student with a disability; and
• not be the recipient of any other bursary or scholarship provided by the University, with the exception of the ANU Access Scholarship.

DISABILITY PARKING IN UNION COURT

For further assistance or information, contact the DSU.While the construction is going on in Union Court (Scheduled to finish in May) there will still be at least one Disability parking space allocated within Union Court for the use of people with a disability. At present the space is located at the end of the Student Facilities Building, near the Lift. The sign is on the fence around the construction site.

The Parking Space may need to move at various times, depending on construction needs, but it should be clearly signposted. If anyone has troubles accessing parking, please advise the DSU so we can follow it up.

We have asked that the University provides information on the Web about the location of Disability Parking Spaces and other Disability information and this will be available shortly.

Also, copies of the updated Disability Access Map are available at the DSU for anyone who needs one. Just call in, or contact Riekie on 6125 5036.

If you are aware of any other issues to do with Disability parking around the campus, please let the DSU know, so that we can take up the issues with the University.

GOLDEN KEY TUTORS

The Golden Key Tutors Scheme is a tremendous free service offered to students with a disability. The Golden Key Honour Society is made up of students from the top 15% of students in their year. Some Golden Key members choose to act as a tutor for a student with a disability as their community service project. The Tutor meets with the student for an hour a week to provide advice in a nominated subject. The role of the Tutor is to ensure that the student understands concepts of what has been taught, not to do assignments for the student.

The tutoring is available for First & Second Year Units only, and is dependent on a Tutor being available for the subjects the student has nominated for assistance.

For further information and application forms, please contact the Disability Support Unit.

Editor: Trevor Allan