Equitable Learning Support programs

Check out programs organised by ELS and useful resources for students living with a disability, neurodivergence, or physical or mental health condition

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Neurokin Networks

Neurokin Networks is an initiative developed by Equitable Learning Services (ELS) at UNSW, dedicated to supporting the success and wellbeing of neurodivergent students.

The program offers a structured, inclusive environment designed to foster academic achievement, personal growth and meaningful social connection.

Whether you are seeking focused study support, opportunities for low-pressure social engagement or a stronger sense of belonging within the university community, Neurokin Networks provides tailored resources and programs to meet those needs.

This initiative underscores ELS’s broader commitment to cultivating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students - particularly those with ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, and other diverse cognitive and learning profiles.

Upcoming events: Body Doubling & Connections Club

Body Doubling study groups (Hybrid sessions)

Are you a neurodivergent student eager to boost your academic productivity?

Join us for Body Doubling study sessions, designed to provide a sense of accountability and the right amount of social pressure and structure. Body doubling is considered beneficial to ADHDers by people with lived experience and experts but may be helpful to anyone looking to improve productivity.

All UNSW students are welcome. Join us anytime and sign up for email reminders.

  • Supportive environment

    Connect with peers who understand your neurotype without the need for explanations or judgments.

    Flexible atmosphere

    Sessions are hybrid – you can join in person or online via Teams. If you would like to join via Teams, please email els@unsw.edu.au using your university email account and request to "Join Body Doubling online" at least 24 hours prior to the session date. 

    We will follow a loose structure of:

    • 10-minute check-in
    • 25-30 minute sprint
    • 5 minute brain dump
    • 10 minute brain break
    • 25-30 minute sprint
    • 5 minute brain dump.

    Visual supports

    We will display a visual timer.

    We know everyone has different preferences for getting their work done, so we will have coloured sticky dots on hand that allow you to signal your body doubling preferences to staff:

    🟢 Help me break down my tasks into more manageable steps

    🟡 Check in with me periodically to make sure I’m on task

    🔴 Please do not disturb me

Term 3 2025 Details

When: Tuesdays 11am - 12.30pm

Where: Kensington campus. Room/building locations may vary from week to week. Please check the schedule for details.

If you would like to join via Teams, please email els@unsw.edu.au using your university email account and request to "Join Body Doubling online" at least 24 hours prior to the session date. 

  • 🗓️ Week of Term, Date

    📍 Location

    O-Week, September 9

    Morven Brown, LG30

    Week 1, September 16

    Morven Brown, LG09

    Week 2, September 23

    Morven Brown, LG09
    Week 3, September 30

    Quad G055

    Week 4, October 7

    Morven Brown, LG09

    Week 5, October 14

    Mathews 301

    Week 6, October 21

    Morven Brown, LG09

    Week 7, October 28

    Morven Brown, LG09

    Week 8, November 4

    Quad G055

    Week 9, November 11

    Mathews 301

    Week 10, November 18

    Mathews 301

    Study Period, November 25

    Morven Brown, LG09

Connections Club (In-person meet ups)

Are you an autistic student eager to make connections on campus?

Join us for our next Connections Club, a collaboration between Equitable Learning Services and Psychology and Wellness to support community-building and placemaking for autistic students.

All UNSW students are welcome. Join us anytime and sign up for email reminders.

  • Supportive environment

    Connect with peers who understand your neurotype without the need for explanations or judgments. We're here to uplift and empower each other.

    Engaging conversations and activities

    From shared interests to navigating university life, our discussions cover a wide range of topics in a relaxed atmosphere. We will also have some social games and activities on offer (e.g. role play, mindfulness colouring sheets, UNO and card games). Participation in each activity is optional.

    Visual supports

    We know everyone has different communication preferences, so we will have coloured sticky dots on hand that allow you to signal your communication preferences to others:

    🟢 A green sticky dot signifies you will engage in conversation with anyone

    🟡 A yellow sticky dot signifies you wish to engage in short communication with people you already know

    🔴 A red sticky dot signifies that you do not currently wish to communicate with anyone

Term 3 2025 Details

When: Wednesdays 3 - 4 PM (Drop by anytime in the hour)

Where: Kensington campus. Room/building locations may vary from week to week. Please check the schedule for details.

  • Week of Term, Date

    Location

    Week 1, September 17

    Morven Brown, LG09

    Week 2, September 24

    Morven Brown, LG09

    Week 5, October 15

    Goldstein G07

    Week 8, November 5

    Morven Brown, LG09

    Week 9, November 12

    Goldstein G07

Neurokin Networks aims to honour and uplift neurodivergent students by fostering community, respect and meaningful support across campus.


Useful resources

Support & services

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Mental health support

Your mental health & wellbeing is always top priority. At UNSW, Mental Health Connect can help you find the support you need, making it easier to access the right services for you. We also have plenty of mental health resources you can check out on your own if you don’t feel like reaching out.

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Peer support for students with disabilities

ActivateUNSW is a peer support program for new students with disabilities, long term illness or mental health conditions. We introduce you to fellow students and mentors in a safe and understanding environment who can support you as you transition to university life. Join ActivateUNSW for fun mentoring sessions in small groups as well as some larger group events to build your connections and UNSW knowledge.

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Assistive Technology

Discover tools and program features that can make studying more accessible for you, including conversion tools, note-taking tools, assistive tech spaces on campus and more.

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Accessing NDIS

If you are a person living with a disability and want to register with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS), you need to meet the access requirements. These include your age, residency status, disability and, in some cases, your early intervention requirements. After confirming your eligibility, you can apply for an NDIS plan.

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SafeZone app

SafeZone is our security app for the UNSW community. The app allows you to quickly share your location and details in emergency situations and reach out to urgent support, including UNSW Protective Services. The app also lets you request a security escort, track the night security bus, have a friend monitor your walk for safety and use the WorkAlone feature.

Careers & opportunities

Have a question?

Contact the Equitable Learning Services team for assistance or visit the UNSW emergency support page for immediate help. 

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