Frequently asked questions

When you book your appointment with your allocated DLO, you can choose a phone, Zoom or in-person appointment according to the DLO’s availability. Your appointment will take approximately 45 minutes on average. During the appointment, your DLO will:

• spend some time getting to know you and developing an understanding of how your disability may impact your studies, both in the past and currently
• discuss your supporting documentation if necessary
• ask questions about strategies you may have already developed to cope with your studies or explore some ideas that may assist you
• explore your strengths and abilities and make suggestions or discuss some of the other university support services available
• discuss whether you need an access plan and what adjustments may work for you – it is important that you work with your DLO to ensure the right reasonable adjustments and/or exam adjustments will support your studies.

The DLO will develop your Access Plan, and it will be sent to your Deakin student email after your appointment.

You are encouraged to ask your DLO questions about the services offered by the DRC or Deakin, the registration process, your Access Plan, and anything you are not sure about.

No. For students with an Access Plan, additional extensions between 7 and 14 days may be granted by the Unit Chair. However, you will still need to apply for extensions on assessments through your Unit Sites. Go to the Assessments tab, click on the Extension Request Form, and tick the box that indicates you have an Access Plan.

Your Access Plan will have a Review Date listed at the top under Academic Adjustments (your first Access Plan is usually due for review after about 12 months, but this may be longer or shorter, depending on several factors). Please make note of your review date, as it is your responsibility to book an appointment with a DLO to review your access plan.

Your Access Plan does not expire after the listed review date, but it is always a good idea to have a chat with your DLO if your needs change or if you receive a new diagnosis.

Here is a list of our locations:

Burwood – Building B, level 1, room B1.03.

Waterfront – Building D, level 2, located in Student Central.

Waurn Ponds – Building JB, room 2. 314.

Warrnambool – Building B, located in the Medical Centre.

In most cases, we need supporting documentation before an Access Plan can be created, as this documentation will assist the DLO in identifying the right support and adjustments for you. Visit How to request support for a list of relevant registered health professionals. The documentation will need to confirm the diagnosis, and your health professional can then make any recommendations they believe would support you in your studies.