Disability and access services at TAFE NSW

    A young woman and young man seated close together, she with one arm resting on his shoulder, both of whom have an artificial left leg, laughing fondly from sharing something on his phone screen.

    At TAFE NSW, we understand that some learners may need extra support in their studies. We want you to have a positive learning experience while developing your confidence and skills. To do this we have a team of dedicated Disability Teacher Consultants.

    How to access our disability services

    Enrolling online

    If you are enrolling online, and live with a disability, you will need to select the ‘disability’ box. You will then be asked to disclose your disability. This will ensure you are provided with the correct information during enrolment. It also means we receive the right documentation to complete your enrolment.

    Visit us on campus

    You can also visit a TAFE NSW campus and ask to meet with a Disability Teacher Consultant.

    Call us 

    To speak with a Disability Teacher Consultant, or make an appointment call us on 131 601 and choose option 5.

    Need help communicating via phone?

    The National Relay Service (NRS) helps people to make phone calls who are:

    • deaf
    • hard of hearing, or 
    • have oral communication difficulties.

    Visit their website to view the NRS call numbers and lists.

    Supporting our learners

    We are committed to supporting all learners with disability.

    This may include support for:

    • blind or low vision
    • deaf or hard of hearing
    • an ongoing mental health or medical condition
    • physical disability
    • intellectual disability
    • neurodiversity
    • specific learning disabilities.

    If you're a learner living with a disability or long-term health condition, get in touch with a Disability Teacher Consultant before you enrol. Appointments with Disability Teacher Consultants are free and consultations are confidential.

    To get started, speak with a Disability Teacher Consultant today. Call 131 601 and choose option 5. For deaf, hard of hearing, or other communication needs go to National Relay Service (NRS) and choose an option that’s suitable for you.

    A woman in a wheelchair is reaching for a book on a high shelf in a library, while another woman beside her assists by pointing to a specific book. They are surrounded by rows of colourful bookshelves under soft lighting.

    Our Disability Teacher Consultants

    Disability Teacher Consultants provide a range of services for those living with disability or long-term health condition. We want to make sure that you get the right support throughout your studies. This will give you the best chance of being successful in your studies.

    To help you through the process of getting started, your Disability Teacher Consultant can:

    • help you choose your course and program of study
    • assist with enrolment
    • guide you through fee exemption and concession applications
    • provide guidance with on campus NDIS workers
    • develop individual learning plans
    • identify classroom support, and
    • recommend reasonable adjustments.

    Documents we need

    To help confirm your learning needs, you will need to provide specific documents to your Disability Teacher Consultant. 

    This documentation can include a letter from your: 

    • medical professional
    • psychologist
    • speech therapist
    • physiotherapist, or
    • a school learning support plan.

    Accessing the right support

    There are a range of supports available that your Disability Teacher Consultant can help you access.

    These include:

    • learner support
    • mobility orientation
    • sign language interpreters
    • scribes
    • readers
    • ergonomic equipment
    • assistive technology
    • Read&Write software.
    A man with a beard wearing a TAFE NSW polo shirt is using sign language while standing in front of a screen displaying images of hands making different signs. The man appears to be engaged and expressive as he communicates.

    Reasonable adjustments

    So you can fully participate in your learning experience, your Disability Teacher Consultant will:

    • meet with you to identify your specific needs
    • liaise with the teaching team to develop your individual learning plan
    • make reasonable adjustments for:          

    The process of applying for reasonable adjustments include:

    • planning
    • delivering, and 
    • assessing your learning.

    Other help

    Your Disability Teacher Consultant can also provide referrals to other TAFE NSW support services such as:

    To get the most out of your education, speak to a Disability Teacher Consultant today.

    A woman wearing a beige cardigan is seated, speaking with another woman. She holds a pen in one hand and glasses in the other, appearing engaged and empathetic during the conversation.