Where can I get advice or resources?
General support services for all students
There are many services available for all students at universities and polytechs including:
- Student learning centres
- Computers
- Libraries
- Scholarships offices
Services for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Students
For services relating to deafness or hearing impairment, you can contact the Disability Services Office at your university or polytechnic.
They can arrange:
- NZ Sign Language interpreters
- Notetakers (electronic or manual)
- Specialised equipment
- Exam / assignment accommodations
For more information on interpreters and note-takers, click on the names above or on the links in the top right hand corner of this
Disability Services at your university or polytechnic The Disability Services Office at your university or polytechnic is there to help you to access your classes and the resources you need to succeed. Universities and polytechnics do not all provide the same services. Usually, they can organise interpreters, notetakers, specialised equipment, and special exam and assignment accommodations. Some offices also give advice and assistance relating to enrolment, library research, student learning centre, careers and more. When you are discussing your needs with the staff, it is a good idea to let them know: All these things affect which type of support is best for you. For example, if you typically communicate with NZ Sign Language, then it would be best to have a sign language interpreter for all lectures and tutorials. If your classes have a lot of equations or complex vocabulary then a notetaker (with or without a sign language interpreter) will be very helpful, because you will not miss the spelling of words or the way to write complex equations. The Advance Centre
The Advance Centre is also here to help.
We can help you to access support services by:
- Putting you in touch with your Disability Services team
- Putting you in touch with student support networks
We help with any questions or problems with:
- Interpreters and notetakers
- Scholarships and funding
- Equipment to make studying easier
- Communicating with staff at the universities / polytechs
We also provide information to universities and polytechnics, and help to run student workshops, including:
- Transition (about what the move from school to tertiary education will be like)
- Exam preparation
- CV writing and job search skills
The Advance Centre is not linked with any one University or polytech, so we can provide general, impartial advice on different issues.
If you have a specific problem with interpreters, notetakers, equipment or services provided by your university or polytechnic, it is best to discuss your concerns with them first.
However, if you have problems discussing your needs with Disability Services staff, or if you have other questions, feel free to contact us at the Advance Centre.