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Discrimination and Your Rights

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is a Federal Act, passed in 1992.  It provides protection for everyone in Australia against discrimination based on disability (including mental illness).  All universities have specific policies and practises for dealing with discrimination. 

Disability discrimination happens when people with disabilities are treated less favourably than people without a disability.  Disability discrimination also occurs when people are treated less fairly because they are relatives, friends, carers, co-workers or associates of a person with a disability. 
Click here to find out more about disability discrimination legislation.

In 2005, the Act was amended to specifically include responsibilities of education providers.  To support this change in the Act, national standards for the provision of education to students with disabilities was also put in place.  You can find details of this on the website. 

To find out more about your rights as a student at UWA go to the following websites:

Student Administration

UWA Student Guild

Equity and Diversity Office

Rights to Learning
Many students with a mental health condition are hesitant about asking for what they need, for fear that they may not be believed or be seen as having an unfair advantage over students without a mental illness.  However negotiating with the university can make sure that you receive the support you are entitled to, allowing you to study to the best of your ability.  Others may not be aware that you have any mental health issues or your needs may not be as apparent as for a student with a physical disability.  It is your responsibility to articulate what your needs are.  However you do not have to do this alone.  At UWA the Counselling Staff, Disability Officers, Medical Centre, Learning Skills Advisors and Guild Education Officers are all available to help and advise you.  These staff are trained and experienced.  It is part of their role to facilitate access to the support you need.

UWA has a Charter of Student Rights.  This document and other statements relating to the rights and responsibilities of students enrolled at UWA can be found at:

http://www.studentadmin.uwa.edu.au/welcome/rights or

http://www.secretariat.uwa.edu.au/home/policies/charter