Disability services in higher education: An Australian perspective

This chapter provides an overview of the development of disability services within the Australian higher education sector including explanation of the historical, political, and cultural factors which influenced legislative and policy changes from the early 1990s through to the present, which have provided the basis for the current services and supports accessed by students with a disability throughout Australian universities. Models of disability are discussed in relation to their impact on provision of services and supports to students with disabilities in higher education. Requirements for access to services and determination of eligibility are also discussed in the context of current legislation and government policies and challenges faced by students in accessing supports are identified. Strategies to support improvements to disability services provision in higher education are provided in the form of four practice recommendations.