ABOUT
This survey is for all students currently enrolled in Higher Education. It can be taken by students who self-identify as having an invisible disability, as well as their peers and colleagues who do not.
This survey is the first phase in a project which aims to understand how students who identify as having an invisible disability experience the learning environment of universities. Invisible disabilities, also known as hidden or non-visible disabilities, are defined as health conditions, impairments or chronic illnesses that are not immediately visible to others. They include, but are not limited to physical, mental, and neurological conditions (Invisible Disabilities Australia, N.D).
Reasonable adjustments are "any form of assistance or adjustment that is necessary, possible and reasonable to reduce or eliminate barriers" to your learning (Australian Government, N.D). They are personalised to your individual needs and can be temporary or long-term.
We would like to understand students’ experiences with the supports provided at their university. You will be asked to answer a series of questions about your experiences of and/or with invisible disabilities while attending university as a student. Questions ask students to reflect on the adjustments recommended by the university to your lecturer aimed at reducing the impact of invisible disabilities on your studies. Questions also aim to understand what other support services are available beyond these reasonable adjustments.
For students who don’t identify as having an invisible disability we would still like to hear from you. Your insights are important for understanding how you view the experiences of your peers with an invisible disability, as well as social perceptions of invisible disabilities.
LANGUAGE DISCLAIMER
This survey uses person-first language (e.g., 'student with disability'), but we recognise that many individuals prefer identity-first language (e.g., 'disabled student'). We acknowledge that language preferences around disability are deeply personal, and terminology varies across communities and individuals. The terms used within this survey may not reflect your preferred language, and we respect each person's right to self-identify in their own way.
DURATION AND CONTENT
The online survey can be conducted at a time that is convenient to you and will take between 15-25 minutes. If at anytime you need to leave the survey but would like to come back and finish it later you can click the "save and continue later" button at the bottom of the page.
Beginning the survey implies that you consent for your responses to be used anonymously to inform the outcomes of the research. You can close the survey at any time without completing it, and your responses up to that point will be captured.
ASSISTANCE
While completing the survey it is possible that the questions may trigger an emotional response, and you may like to take a break, stop the survey, or contact a support service such as:
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Reach Out: au.reachout.com
Disability Gateway: 1800 643 787
FINDINGS AND FURTHER INFORMATION
At the end of the survey a separate link will be available. You can use this link to provide your contact details should you wish to receive a summary of the findings or any publications from the research. This link will also provide you with an opportunity to “opt-in” to participating in Phase two (interview or focus group) and Phase three (interactive workshop) of this research. If you choose to participate in this further research, you will be contacted by a member of the research team, and you can change your mind at any time.
Please note: There is no obligation to participate in the next phases of the research. You can choose to provide your information to receive a copy of the report while also opting out of any further participation in the research.
This survey has received approval via the University of Newcastle ethics process: Protocol Number: N-2024-0277
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