Academic Support Workers

The Disability Resource Centre can arrange for the services of an Academic Support Worker (ASW) to assist students with particular impacts of disability. ASWs can assist with academic tasks such as taking notes, assignment preparation, and laboratory sessions. Sign language interpreting can also be provided.

You can apply for this service through the Disability Resource Centre. Apply now

If you are provided with an ASW you must comply with the following guidelines. Failing to comply may result in withdrawal of this service.

You need to:

• provide the staff at the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) with a copy of your timetable (including unit title and code, and location and time of lecture/tutorial/class) at least two weeks prior to the beginning of each semester
• provide at least four weeks notice to the DRC if an ASW is required for extra classes or workshops not on the regular timetable
• undertake to attend all classes and tutorials where an ASW is assigned (if you are late an ASW is only required to wait 20 minutes and will not participate in the class or provide information on what may have occurred prior to your arrival)
• provide 24 hours notice to the DRC if unable to attend an assigned session or if there is a change or cancellation to lectures or tutorials
• arrive a few minutes before lectures and tutorials begin to arrange appropriate seating
• provide paper or a notepad for the ASW
• introduce yourself and the ASW to the academic staff and briefly explain the role of the ASW
• discuss any queries in the working procedure with the ASW and give constructive feedback to the ASW to ensure that the most beneficial service is provided.

If you are assigned a sign language interpreter you should also:

• allow for an initial period of time to establish fluent communication and rapport between you, the interpreter and the academic staff member
• provide the interpreter with a glossary of subject specific vocabulary, with definitions, where possible
• identify and allow for language variation and accents between interpreters.

Email: drcentre@deakin.edu.au

Contact a Disability Liaison Officer near you