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Experience a sensory-friendly Orientation program

At Deakin, we offer a range of low-sensory events and resources specifically for students with sensory needs.

We also offer activities with sensory-friendly options, such as quiet hours, reset spaces, self-guided tours and videos to help you prepare for certain experiences.

This means you can adapt your Orientation experience to your needs and still access everything we offer.

Low-sensory events and resources

A smiling staff member in a pink Orientation t-shirt holding a Library Tours sign

Register for a low-sensory campus tour

Explore your campus in a small group at a calmer pace with the opportunity to ask questions.

Tours run during Prepare Week at Burwood and Waurn Ponds campuses.

View your Orientation program below and search 'low-sensory'.

REGISTER NOWRegister for a low-sensory tour here

Three Deakin staff in pink Orientation t-shirts smiling at a welcome desk

Meet the Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

At the end of all low-sensory campus tours, you can talk to a staff member from the DRC.

If you have a disability, health or mental health condition, the DRC can help you with adjustments.

LEARN ABOUT THE DRCLearn about the Disability Resource Centre here

Three Deakin students in colourful clothing at a DUSA welcome desk

A guide to your first day

If you like to plan ahead, our Orientation visual story guides you through your first day on campus.

Learn what to bring, where to go, who you'll meet and where to find quiet/reset spaces.

It's helpful if planning ahead makes you feel more comfortable.

DOWNLOAD NOWDownload the Orientation visual story here

How to adapt your Orientation program to your needs

    All of our Orientation sessions and resources can be adapted to be sensory-friendly. Below, we've outlined some different ways you can prepare for or adjust your experience.

    • Bring anything that helps you feel more comfortable, such as noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys.
    • Join a low-sensory campus tour (view your Orientation program and search 'low-sensory' to register).
    • After your tour, stay for the a DRC meet-and-greet to learn about the support on offer.
    • Faculty welcomes and course sessions will include sensory information in your Orientation program to help you plan ahead.
    • Prefer a quieter vibe? Look for early or late tour sessions and choose campus tour times that feel comfortable.
    • Market Days have advertised 'quiet time' windows you might find more comfortable.
    • Look for signage around campus to make low-sensory and accessible spaces easier to find.
    • If OWeek feels overwhelming, you can join many sessions live online or watch recordings within 24 hours, giving you flexibility in how you take part.
    • Reach out to the DRC if you have questions or concerns. We are here to support your throughout your Deakin journey.

    A green banner with yellow sunflowers and the text 'Making the invisible visible'

    The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

    The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple way you can share that you have a non-visible disability or condition – and that you may need a helping hand.

    Staff and students who have completed Sunflower training can wear a white sunflower lanyard or pin so you can identify them.

    But, don't worry if you can't see a Sunflower: all our staff and students are available to help.

    You can wear the Sunflower if you have a non-visible disability or want to signal that you need extra time, support or understanding.

    Learn more about the Sunflower and order a lanyard

    How to go on a self-guided campus tour

    Explore your new campus at your own pace by following our sensory-friendly campus tour. Campus maps and campus tour videos are also available below so you can prepare.

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    Campus maps and campus tour videos

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    Programs and services for neurodivergent students