Types of disability services

Support looks different for everyone. Click on the icons below to see what's available to you from Disability Support Services.

Academic and exam support

We’ll make sure you can access your courses, complete your assessments and sit exams or tests without barriers. If you need extra support let us know and we'll make it happen. Together, we’ll create an Academic Accommodation Plan which outlines the services and resources we’ll provide to support your learning. Once this is done, we'll let your school and faculty know what support you need. Talk to them about any upcoming assessments.

Types of exam support available

If you have a diagnosis, disability or medical condition that affects how you sit exams, we can arrange things like:

• Extra time
• Software that reads questions aloud to you
• A reading or writing assistant

Your transcript will not display the support you receive.

Contact us early to arrange exam support

To make sure support is in place, you’ll need to connect with Disability Support Services and have an active Academic Accommodation Plan before the end of week 8 in each semester.

In exceptional cases, support may be arranged after this, but it can’t be guaranteed. Reach out early for support.

Financial assistance

There are extra costs that can come with maintaining your independence, and we’re committed to making sure you can focus on your studies and life at AUT without added financial stress. If you are struggling to keep up, AUT’s financial assistance fund can support you with things like medical expenses, specialised equipment, transport or emergency housing. Apply online or make a booking with us.

Accessibility on campus

AUT is committed to creating spaces that work for everyone. Here’s what’s already in place:

• NZ Sign Language interpreters are available at major AUT events
• The learning management system includes built-in accessibility features
• A fire alarm alert system that supports students and staff through My AUT
• All buildings have lifts or ramps to lecture theatres, classrooms, libraries and accessible toilets nearby
• Many doors open automatically or have push-button access
• Some lifts have raised numerals or braille on buttons, and others include voice announcements
• The Assistive Technology Room is an enabled technology space on Level 4 of the City Campus library with secure access provided by Disability Support Services. The North Campus library includes height-adjustable desks, a de‑stress zone and a low‑light study area.

Got questions about accessibility? Reach out to Disability Support Services.

CONTACT US

Disability assist dogs

Certified disability assist dogs are welcome on campus. They must wear a jacket identifying one of the following certifying organisations:

• Assistance Dogs New Zealand
• Blind and Low Vision NZ (Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Incorporated)
• Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand
• K9 Medical Detection New Zealand
• K9 Search Medical Detection
• Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust
• New Zealand Epilepsy Assist Dogs Trust
• Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust