The Ecological Model of Disability

Our approach is guided by the ecological model that defines disability through the holistic interconnection of person and environment (Ebersold and Evans 2003).

One is more or less disabled based on not only their own functioning and individual resilience but also whether the built environment, technological, support systems and attitudes of those around them are accommodating and welcoming of variation in ability.

• The ecological definition of disability emphasises function over diagnosis and "mainstreams" the experience of disability as an ordinary part of experience for all people.
• It is a powerful conceptual framework for minimising disabling experiences for all people who seek access to services and other supports.

access & inclusion — our by-line reflects our ecological approach to disability

The University is committed to providing equal opportunity for all students and to promoting inclusion through valuing diversity in accordance with the Victoria University Charter and the Strategic Plan. Disability Services is the key service provider within the University and has responsibility for evaluating a student’s impairment related needs and recommending appropriate strategies for successful study.

Access: we provide students access to support and services that are congruent with their disability related needs, these include: individual planning and support, adaptive equipment, technology and training, sign language interpreting, note-taking assistance, mobility parking, ergonomic furniture and access to rest and study rooms.

Inclusion we lead Victoria towards becoming a fully inclusive tertiary education institution. We do this by providing disability awareness; advice and support for staff and offer expertise on inclusive built spaces, teaching and learning, technological systems, policies and practice. We engage with the wider disability community to ensure we utilise disability expertise and keep up to date with the latest research.

The Meeting the Needs of Students with Impairments Policy

The University is committed to providing equal opportunity for all students and to promoting inclusion through valuing diversity in accordance with the Victoria University Charter and the Strategic Plan. This policy outlines Victoria’s commitment.

Meeting the Needs of Students with Impairments Policy (187Kb PDF Document).

Complaints Procedure

We welcome comments or suggestions on any aspect of our service. If you want to bring something to our attention please do. You can do this by contacting us.

If you do have a complaint please download our complaints procedure.

Disability Services Complaints Procedure. (97Kb PDF Document).

Privacy Statement

We are mindful that information we hold at Disability Services about your health or impairment is of a private and confidential nature.

If you do have a complaint please download our complaints procedure.

Disability Services Privacy Statement (106Kb PDF Document).

Other Legislation and Guidelines

The Human Rights Act 1993

The Human Rights Act 1993 makes it unlawful for the University to discriminate (directly or indirectly) against a person on the grounds of disability or impairment. The University is required to accommodate the impairment-related needs of people with impairments, except where doing so would cause hardship or disruption to an unreasonable or undue extent, or cause unreasonable risk of harm to the person or to others.

New Zealand Disability Strategy

The Government is committed to an inclusive society and to eliminating barriers for people with disabilities wherever they exist. This commitment is articulated in the vision of the New Zealand Disability Strategy: Along with other New Zealanders, disabled people aspire to a good life. The vision of this Strategy is a fully inclusive society. New Zealand will be inclusive when people with impairments can say they live in: a society that highly values our lives and continually enhances our full participation.

Tertiary Education Commission

In its guidance to Tertiary Education Institutions, The Tertiary Education Commission refers specifically to Kia Orite Achieving Equity: New Zealand Code of Practice for an Inclusive Tertiary Education Environment for Students with Impairments.