Equitable learning and disability support that empowers RMIT students

RMIT’s Equitable Learning Services (ELS) provide learning and disability support that empowers students to achieve their goals.

One of the biggest myths about university is that students with disabilities, long-term illnesses or mental health conditions will find a lack of learning support, especially compared to high school.  While university gives students more independence than high school, RMIT ensures that students will always having the equitable learning support they you need.

But through RMIT’s Equitable Learning Services (ELS), independence is nurtured alongside health and wellbeing for a learning experience that helps students unlock what’s next.  

What is ELS and what does it include?

ELS encompasses a range of disability support services for students, parents and carers, with the goal of providing equal opportunities to all students at RMIT.

Former Senior Coordinator of Equitable Learning and Accessibility, Tania Perez, said the most popular service is organising equitable learning plans for students. These plans outline students’ equitable learning support needs and can include adjustments for assessments, such as deadline extensions.  

“Our services are tailored to individual needs and are self-directed by the student and include a range of study adjustments, assistive technology and linking students to study support services,” she said.

“We also organise services for students who have a print disability, including alternative formatting, assistive technology programs and linking students into library services. Other services we often organise are AUSLAN interpreters, notetakers and participation assistants. 

“We also address any accessibility issues that may come up to ensure that students are included in all aspects of university life.”

ELS remote appointments are offered over the phone and online, but you can also book a face-to-face sessions which will be held at RMIT’s Melbourne City campus. To book an appointment with an ELS advisor, call directly on +61 3 9925 5000, or use the online booking system.

Can parents and carers come along to appointments?

Parents and carers are welcome to join ELS appointments if students feel a little nervous on their own. 

With student’s consent, parents can be involved in equitable learning and disability support at RMIT. ELS are more than happy to facilitate parents, carers and guardians if it provides an extra layer of comfort or support for a student.

At the same time, students are encouraged to play an active role in understanding their own needs, building their independence and achieving academic success. This way, students have a support structure that can assist them on their journey to becoming independent learners.

How does RMIT’s equitable learning support help students make the transition from high school?

When meeting new students, ELS advisors often ask about the study adjustments or support services students accessed at high school, so that similar support can be discussed for their equitable learning plan at university. This tailored learning plan is then shared with their university teachers.

“I’m allowed extra time and rest breaks for assessments, which helps simulate the same process that I was used to at high school. It’s helpful to know teachers are aware of my needs,” said Rebecca, current student of the Bachelor of Education (Primary and Early Childhood Education).

Rebecca's current diagnosis is dyslexia and autism, and she noted that a big lifesaver in her ELS experience was feeling like there were no hurdles to having her equitable learning plan implemented. 

A student holds up a wooden decorative object.

“Through ELS, you just email your teacher with the support you require, which in my case involved assignment extensions. The support is granted with no questions asked, which helped me focus on my assessments. In this time, I sought further assistance from classmates, explored the library study help, peer reviewed, or asked for more information about the assessments if I was still unsure about them.” 

What skills do students gain from ELS?

RMIT aims to foster student independence by balancing academic success with health and wellbeing. Through the services, students are empowered to better understand what enables them to achieve their goals.

Rebecca said that being able to access ELS helped her learn more about herself, including her strengths and areas for continual improvement.  

“For me, this was realising that having a disability isn’t a deficit but rather an opportunity to connect with others similar to my needs. 

“As a future primary and early childhood teacher, this will help develop my level of understanding with students, as I have experience and can relate to the process, struggle and strengths gained from finding, learning and discovering about my disabilities.”  

How does ELS prepare students for what’s next?

“RMIT’s Career and Industry Experiences team provides careers support to students through one-on-one careers consultations,” said Tania. 

“RMIT also has a strong partnership with external providers, including GradWISE for graduate disability employment, who support our students in gaining employment and internship opportunities. 

“Along with this personalised support, RMIT has a range of online resources, workshops, mentoring, and industry engagement activities to educate, support and guide students.”

Story: Pallavi Daniel and Jacob Johnston

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Equitable learning and disability support that empowers RMIT students