Accessibility Services
We support long-term, short-term and temporary impairment including, but not limited to:
- Sensory impairment – Vision, hearing
- Physical impairment – Head injury, mobility, speech
- Specific Learning Disability – Dyslexia, dyscalculia, Asperger’s and Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Mental health – Anxiety, depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Temporary impairment – Injuries, Occupational Overuse Syndrome
If you are unsure if you qualify to use the service, please make contact with the team.
Alongside a range of other support services available on campus, Accessibility Services can form part of your education support network, helping to make your University of Waikato experience as successful and rewarding as possible. The section below outlines specific educational assistance accessed through Accessibility Services.
Note taking support
If you are not able to take notes in lectures due to an impairment, alternatives such as recorded lectures and copies of overheads can be arranged. Some lecturers provide notes on Course Reserve at the library or online for you to read on computer via Moodle (University's online learning system for accessing paper information, resources and online discussion forums), while others are recorded and available as video or podcast. However, some are only made available by agreement with the particular Faculty or School.
If you are unable to access notes in any of these ways a note-taker may be able to take notes for you. Accessibility Services can arrange for notes to be taken for you.
New Zealand sign language interpreters
If you are Deaf and require a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreter, please contact Accessibility Services staff well before the start of the semester so arrangements can be made to book external NZSL interpreters.
Resource material in alternative formats
Students with a range of impairments may require printed material in alternative formats. This includes large print, different coloured paper, braille, audio or electronic format. Students who need alternative format literature are encouraged to speak to Accessibility Services to find a workable solution to accessing course literature.
Course related audiobooks from the University of Auckland can be issued on interloan through the University of Waikato Library's Interloan Service. Requests should be made at the Library Information Desk and must be course-related.
Alternative test and exam arrangements
Applications are available on MyWaikato under the ‘Accessibility Services’ icon once registered
Arrangements for in-class tests
Alternative test arrangements are available for eligible students who require a more accessible way of sitting their tests. If you require additional time, a separate room, use of a reader/writer for tests or require other specific arrangements, please contact Accessibility Services staff before the start of semester so that your eligibility can be determined. If approved, you must then submit an application for alternative test arrangements by the end of the first week of each semester. If not submitted on time, the request may not be approved unless extenuating circumstances exist.
Arrangements for examinations
Accessibility Services work with the Exams team which is responsible for providing special arrangements for formal examinations. Accessibility Services staff are happy to guide you through the process of obtaining special exam conditions if required
Assistive technology
Assistive Technology refers to the various software and hardware options that assist in addressing a range of disabilities, such as vision, learning and mobility impairments. The following range of equipment, hardware and software may be borrowed or accessed for use on campus by students who require it. Loaned equipment is normally provided free-of-charge through a booking system at Accessibility Services and needs to be returned upon use.
Students registered with Accessibility Services have access to technology liaison staff to assist the development and use of technologies that support independent learning for students with impairments
Library Accessibility Space
This space is located on Level 2 of the Student Centre Library.
Accessibility Services staff will be happy to show you through and talk over any specific needs you might have. This space is accessible during the Central Library's opening hours.
On campus accessibility -
Maps of the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses can be accessed on the Campus Location webpage. There are a number of mobility parks available on the Hamilton city campus, their locations can be viewed on the campus map. To access a mobility parking space you must be a holder of an Operation Mobility permit issued by the CCS Disability Action or a Temporary Mobility Parking Permit.
Mobility parking is available around the Tauranga campus, however, an Operation Mobility permit is required.
Most buildings are universally accessible and are traversed by either level entrance, ramp or lift. A list of the buildings with lift access on Hamilton campus is provided here: Campus lifts
A list of the location for universal access toilet on Hamilton campus is provided here: Universal access toilets