Student confidentiality

Students are not obliged to disclose their disability or health condition to the University. Some students choose not to because they do not require adjustments. Some prefer to protect their privacy, or are concerned that disclosing disability may lead to discrimination.

If a student wants to apply for services and supports, they do have to provide the University with some information about their disability and its impacts. This can be done through the Disability Resource Centre (DRC).

As a staff member working with a student with disability, keep in mind that what you need to know about is how disability affects their study and what adjustments are needed to combat this. The exact nature of a student’s disability is generally not relevant.

Unless the student has given their permission, the DRC will not disclose to the Faculty the name or type of disability, but where appropriate you will be told about the effects of the disability that need to be taken into account.

The student will be encouraged to approach academic staff directly to discuss the effects of disability on their study and their needs. You can assist this by providing students with opportunities to discuss their needs.

When a student applies for services with the DRC, they are advised that the information they have provided will be used by the University to determine and manage the provision of services to them. They are told that it may be necessary to discuss the information with other University staff. This is consistent with the Information Privacy Act and the University's Information Privacy policy.

Email: drcentre@deakin.edu.au

Contact the DRC on your campus