Our community
Ensuring UNSW is welcoming and inclusive by reducing barriers faced by students and staff with disability.
Advancing inclusion
UNSW is a community and our people our greatest asset. Excellence and innovation thrive when we ensure that our built and digital environments are accessible for all. The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP 2026-2029) continues the foundational work undertaken towards a truly diverse and inclusive UNSW community that welcomes and ensures full access and participation for students, staff and visitors with disability.
In our previous DIAP (2022-2025) I committed to continuous review and improvement of our frameworks and strategic objectives. I’m proud of the work the team has done and continues to do as part of UNSW’s journey towards a truly diverse and inclusive community.
- Professor Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor and President, UNSW Sydney
DIAP in action 2026-2029
Plain language all-staff mandatory refresher training
Plain language versions of the Refresher Trainings for Working@UNSW, Safety@UNSW and Security@UNSW are available for UNSW staff that require this format.
An introduction to unconscious bias
A short, stand-alone self-paced module provides foundational information about unconscious bias and how people make quick judgements based on prejudices, stereotypes and preferences.
DIAP in action 2022-2025
Workplace adjustments
UNSW has introduced a new Workplace Adjustment Procedure. It replaces the 2011 Reasonable Adjustments for Staff with Disability Guidelines and provides clear, up-to-date guidance.
UNSW has also developed a Workplace Adjustment Toolkit to help both managers and staff understand and put workplace adjustments in place.
Disability Travel Support Fund
The Disability Travel Support Fund supports research and career development for UNSW Staff and Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates. In 2023, the fund was expanded to include HDR candidates and professional staff, as well as academic staff.
Reducing barriers to adjustments
Equitable Learning Services (ELS) has worked with Nura Gili to remove barriers for Indigenous students with disability to access ELS services. Students can now access ELS without the need to go through the standard registration process, with assessments for adjustments offered to pre-program students. This work has seen an increase in Indigenous students registering with ELS.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
UNSW has introduced Universal Design for Learning (UDL) training and resources for teaching staff. These support more inclusive teaching and improve learning experiences and outcomes for all students, including students with disability.
Consulation with UNSW's community
UNSW is committed to ensuring that programs, processes and environments are shaped and informed by the lived experiences of our UNSW community.
EDI Staff Consultative Group
The EDI Staff Consultative Group gives staff a voice in UNSW projects and initiatives. This group draws on their lived experiences to help shape programs and decisions.
The group has contributed to many projects related to disability inclusion, neurodiversity and accessibility.
Students as Partners Consultative Group (SCON)
UNSW is committed to cosulting with students with disability, this has been done through SCON. This group provides a space for lived expereince voices to give feedback and shape UNSW programs and resources
