Study and training if you need learning support

If you’re a learner who is disabled, neurodivergent, or needs extra learning support for any reason, there are plenty of options to help you succeed in your tertiary education goals.

A wide range of support is usually available for your study or training, and you can use this right through your programme or course.

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• Large print – What support is available if you are disabled, neurodivergent or otherwise need tertiary learning support (Word –109 KB)

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• Easy Read - Support for tertiary education learners who are disabled, neurodiverse or need learning support (PDF - 1.34 MB)
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If you’re a school student with extra learning needs, by the time you turn 14 your school should be helping you make a plan for when you transition into adult life.

• Ministry of Education website - National Transition Guidelines
• CCS Disability Action website - Transition services

If you want to do tertiary study or training, choose an education provider that understands and supports your learning needs.

Most providers employ staff to support students who have:

• sensory or physical impairments
• barriers to learning and participating in their studies
• mental health conditions
• medical conditions
• temporary injuries or impairments.

These support services might include:

• advice and strategies for your learning
• low-cost or free accessible software
• spaces for study and meetings
• help with accessing the campus and parking
• sign language interpreters
• note-taking assistants
• printed material reformatting
• tutorials
• loan of equipment for learning and presentations
• library, laboratory and field work assistants
• alternative examination and term test arrangements.

Once you enrol, contact the student support team about what you need so they can arrange your support from the day you start.

I put my heart and soul into my assignments and received good marks. I now know I have good ideas and my voice and opinions are worth something

Your learning support needs or impairment shouldn’t be a barrier to an apprenticeship, traineeship or other opportunity to learn on the job.

Many disabled or neurodivergent people work in the trades and throughout different industries. Aotearoa has deaf people working as builders and truck drivers, dyslexic chefs and hairdressers, and farmers using motorised, all-terrain wheel bikes.

If you’re concerned about possible barriers to your apprenticeship or industry training, discuss them with your training provider and employer. The more they know about you, the more they can support you.

• Funding your study and training
• Study and training options