Accessibility and inclusion
Providing an accessible and inclusive campus for all
At Bond University, we endeavour to provide students with a seamless transition to university and student life. Bond’s dedicated Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor provides students with a disability or medical condition with support and helps to facilitate reasonable adjustments to study.
Accessibility and inclusion for students applying to Bond
Applicants are encouraged to disclose their medical condition or disability on their application for admission. Early notification allows the timely application of approved reasonable adjustments.
The Accessibility and Inclusion team will contact each applicant who discloses a medical condition or disability to discuss support and reasonable adjustments at Bond University.
It is important that applicants are aware of the Inherent requirements for their chosen program. Inherent requirements are the essential abilities, knowledge, and skills required to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit. By registering with Accessibility and Inclusion, students can receive tailored support and reasonable adjustments that promote equitable participation alongside their peers.
Accessibility and inclusion for current and commencing students
Current and commencing students can register with the Accessibility and Inclusion team through our BondAbility platform.
All students who register on BondAbility will be invited to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor for support and to explore reasonable adjustments. Approved reasonable adjustments are formalised in a learning access plan (LAP). Please note that the deadline for applying for a new LAP or review of a LAP needs to be submitted by the end of week 2 of the semester to be considered for that semester.
Register with Accessibility and Inclusion
What are reasonable adjustments?
Reasonable adjustments are modifications made to the learning environment, teaching delivery, or assessment method used to help students with a disability or medical condition to access and participate in education in an equitable manner.
An example of a reasonable adjustment may include the provision of:
- Assistive technology
- Adjustable desk
- Additional time in exams
- Exam room with fewer people
In assessing whether an adjustment is reasonable, the University is entitled, in accordance with the Disability Standards in Education (DSE) to maintain the Inherent requirements of a course. If an inherent requirement cannot be met, the University will provide guidance to the applicant or student. The DSE (DSE) clarifies the obligations of education and training providers under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
An adjustment is defined as reasonable if it balances the interests of all parties affected, including not causing unjustifiable hardship to the educational institution.
Additional information and resources
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Campus accessibility
The University will endeavour to make its facilities accessible to all students. All buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the appropriate Australian standards.
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Emergency procedures
Bond University has plans and processes in place to ensure the safe evacuation of all staff, students and visitors to the campus.
Students with a disability or temporary medical condition can apply for a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). A PEEP will ensure students are prepared to self-evacuate or reach safety in the event of an emergency.
For more information, please contact the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor.
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Parents room
The University has two Parent's Rooms on campus:
- Level 1, Building 9 - Room Facilities: feeding chair, microwave, sink, hot water and change table
- Level 4, Building 5 - Room Facilities: feeding chair (change table and kitchen facilities located adjacent to room)The rooms are available for breastfeeding mothers and other parents/carers who may have children on campus.
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Study spaces
Students who receive adjustments to study, noted in a Learning Access Plan have access to the Library Assistive Technology Room (ATR). Bookings can be made via the Bond Library site through Libcal.
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Accessibility resources
Bond University students have access to a suite of Accessibility resources.
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Legislation and policies
The Australian Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) makes it unlawful for a tertiary education institution to discriminate against a person with a disability on the grounds of disability. The DDA specifically includes learning disability in its definition of disability.
The Australian Human Rights Commission can investigate complaints of discrimination, harassment and bullying based on a person's disability. This includes temporary and permanent disabilities; physical, intellectual, sensory, psychiatric disabilities, diseases or illnesses; medical conditions; work related injuries; past, present and future disabilities; and association with a person with a disability.
The Disability Standards for Education 2005 clarify the obligations of education and training providers and seek to ensure that students with disability can access and participate in education on the same basis as students without disability. The Standards were developed under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and came into effect in August 2005.
Bond University Accessibility and Inclusion Policy
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure all current and prospective students, carers of students, and staff with disability have inclusive access to Bond University’s buildings and facilities, services, information, events and academic programs in accordance with the obligations Bond University has under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Disability Services Act 2006.
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Feedback
Feedback is valued as it gives Bond University insight into the student experience and allows Bond to pursue continuous improvement.
Feedback can be:
Complements: Has someone gone above and beyond?
Complaints: Has a service not met your expectations?
New ideas or suggestions: Do you have an idea of how to make things better?