Students with disabilities

This is a quick reference guide for students with disabilities. Disability includes ‘any permanent or temporary condition that may arise from a sensory, physical, psychological, medical or neurological condition’. The University offers many services which may be of assistance to law students with disabilities. For further information please refer to the Disability Liaison Unit’s web site at http://cms.unimelb.edu.au/studentservices/disability.

The Law Library

The Law Library provides the following services:

  • Large print photocopying.
  • A special needs room, which is located on the fourth floor of the law school building. This room includes a computer with the JAWS speech program and a large flat screen monitor, which displays documents in large print. The room is also equipped with a scanner and ergonomic chairs and tables.
  • Obtaining books and articles for students who are physically unable to do so.

The entrance to the Law Library is located on the third floor of the Law School Building. Loan Desk Phone: 8344 8913 Email: law-library@unimelb.edu.au

Building Services

The Law Building has the following design features:

All lecture theatres have hearing loop facilities and wheelchair access.

  • Lifts include information in Braille and speaking facilities.
  • The floor layout includes bumps to aid the visually impaired.
  • Toilets for disabled people are available on every level of the building.

For building queries contact Information Systems and Services, which is located on the second floor of the Law School Building. Phone: 8344 1111. Email: law-labhelp@unimelb.edu.au

Melbourne Law School Student Centre

The Melbourne Law School Student Centre is located on the Mezzanine Level of the Law School Building.

The Melbourne Law School Student Centre handles both LLB and JD inquiries and provides:

  • A student contact officer, who will be the point of contact between the Student and the Student Centre. Students wishing to have a contact officer should speak to Kate Van Hooft, Student Wellbeing Coordinator. Phone: 8344 3605 Email: vank@unimelb.edu.au. Kate can also answer queries that you have about how the Melbourne Law School can accommodate your special needs, and provide advice and support relating to student welfare, special consideration, extensions, alternative exam arrangements and academic progress.
  • Students with disabilities may be provided with alternative exam arrangements, e.g. providing exams in large print and extending the time limit for exams. Students should contact the Wellbeing and Welfare Coordinator at the Student Centre regarding these arrangements and must register with the Wellbeing and Welfare Coordinator in order to avail themselves of this service. Students may also contact the University’s Disability Liaison Unit for assistance and support, please see below.
  • Application forms for special consideration. Special consideration is available where a student’s work has been adversely affected by a disability or by circumstances beyond his or her control. Special consideration can result in things such as: an opportunity to sit a supplementary or special exam, or complete an alternative assessment. Special consideration forms must be submitted within 3 days of the affected exam/assessment task.
  • Application forms for extensions for the submission of research assignments. Applications for extension of time should be submitted at least 7 days prior to the due date for the affected assessment task.

Students should provide accurate documentation in support of all applications.

Contact Details for the Law School Student Centre
Phone: 8344 4475
Email: law-studentcentre@unimelb.edu.au

Disability Liaison Unit (DLU)

Students disclosing disability can access advice, support and also services such as extensions, alternative exam arrangements and additional educational support.

Law Students with disabilities may contact the DLU, which can:

  • Provide tape recorders for loan.
  • Arrange for note-takers to sit with students in class and take notes of the lecture or seminar presentation.
  • Provide a person to undertake reading/library support.
  • Provide accessible formats of documents

The DLU is located on campus on the Ground Floor of the Baldwin Spencer Building. The centre is open every weekday between 8:45am and 5pm, however students are advised to call and make an appointment to discuss any issues or concerns. Phone: 8344 0100 Email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

Language and Academic Skills

The Language and Academic Skills Advisor in the Law School is Dr. Laura Griffin. Laura can help you to develop your legal writing and communication skills and provide strategies for developing the core academic skills for studying and excelling in law. Phone: 9035 3598
Email: gla@unimelb.edu.au

Law School Disability Equal Opportunity Liaison Officers

The Law School has appointed a Disability Equal Opportunity Liaison Officer. The primary roles of the officer are:

  • To address disability policy issues and to facilitate the progress of students with disabilities through the law program.
  • To liaise with and support students and staff in academic and other related matters.
  • To liaise between the DLU and the Faculty.

The Officer for 2012 is:

Glenn Patmore
Room 709
Phone: 8344 6191

Detailed guidance on managing a disability in the context of study at the University of Melbourne, can be found at: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Please refer to the Melbourne Law School JD Orientation Guide for further information about services available to JD students. This Guide was prepared by Glenn Patmore and Christian Witting. Updated February 2012.