Addressing barriers to inclusion and success for students and staff is consistent with the strategic priorities and values described in Taumata Teitei, our current strategic plan. The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) requires all tertiary providers to have a disability action plan. This transitions the University from its Disability Programme to its first DAP. TEC requires a DAP that is focused on students with disabilities.

At Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, we also want to improve the experiences of staff with disabilities. Our DAP therefore includes deliverables relating specifically to staff. The DAP puts partnering with disabled staff and disabled learners at the heart of implementation.

The full DAP document includes person-first language such as students with disabilities. However, terminology preferences are different from one person to the next. Relevant language and definitions will be reviewed under the DAP.

Waipapa Taumata Rau defines disability as any physical, psychological, cognitive or sensory impairment which, in interaction with social and systemic barriers, restricts a person's full and effective participation in university life on an equal basis with others.

Definitions for disability appear in other Waipapa Taumata Rau policies and procedures. These may evolve over time as part of their regular review cycle and DAP workstream activities.

Email Vicki Watson, Manager – Equity if you require the DAP in a different format.

The Disability Action Plan consists of four workstreams, each with a designated owner responsible for delivery. The Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity coordinates implementation of all workstreams.

Each workstream has a dedicated page tracking the status of deliverables and associated tasks.

Workstream 1: Student experience

Vision: An inclusive, accessible environment where disabled learners participate on an equal basis with others. Student experience status updates

Owner
Associate Director Student Wellbeing and Engagement
Student and Scholarly Services

Workstream 2: Learning and Teaching

Vision: Learning and teaching in the digital environment is inclusive and accessible, and student experience is equitable Learning and Teaching status updates

Owner
Director Learning and Teaching
Office of DVC Education

Workstream 3: Staff capability and experience

Vision: People with disabilities have a sense of community and belonging at the University.  Staff capability and experience status updates

Owner
Associate Director Staff Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Human Resources

Workstream 4: Systems and policies

Vision: The University’s leaders, systems, and processes function in the best interests of people with disability.  Leadership and Infrastructure

Owner
Pro Vice-Chancellor Equity

The Leadership and governance workstream enables scrutiny and informed decision-making. Deliverables include robust monitoring and review processes. The University Equity Leadership Committee agreed the PVC Equity would lead implementation of the DAP. The University Equity Leadership Committee will provide governance, overseeing resourcing and reporting.

The Tertiary Education Commission has an ongoing interest in the DAP. The Commission has reviewed the DAP by an expert panel and Waipapa Taumata Rau will continue to report to the Commission. The DAP is an iterative document with workstream owners currently reviewing workstream tasks and deliverables as they continue to improve both measurement and reporting outcomes. 

Can I influence the Disability Action Plan work?

The DAP development phase is complete. It has been shaped by students and staff with disabilities, student representatives, senior staff members, and the Disability Programme Advisory Group. The Equity Office acknowledges and thanks all those who shared their time, personal experiences, and insights.

Students and staff with relevant experience can still help implement the DAP.

• The DAP Reference Group comprises students with lived experience and staff with lived experience  and/or relevant expertise. The reference group provides expertise and scrutiny for the plan’s implementation.
  
• Campus Life has student focus groups including a network for disabled learners.
  
• Human Resources supports the network for disabled staff members.
  

Get involved has more information on these groups.  

Where can I make a complaint about inaccessible practices or services at the University?

The Disability Action Plan will look specifically at physical access issues and existing physical access complaint processes.

The Complaint or feedback on University service delivery web form includes information on complaint processes.

How do I disclose a disability and how is that information used?

The decision to disclose is a personal one.

All students and staff can read more about when and how to disclose a disability.

Staff members who support students with disabilities should be aware of this as well.

• Read the Students with Disabilities Disclosure Guidelines.
• The University’s privacy policy and procedures tell students how their personal information is used.
• Staff members can read information on staff disclosure processes and privacy.