Sharing of personal information: Should I tell my lecturers about my disability, medical condition or mental health?

That is a question you may be asking yourself when you decide to study.

Sharing personal information about your disability, medical condition or mental health, is a very personal decision that needs to be considered in each individual situation. There is no obligation for you to share personal information about your situation unless it is likely to have an effect on:

• your ability to meet the core requirements of the course.
• your ability to study safely.
• the safety of others.

However, if you wish to request reasonable adjustments you will need to communicate your support needs with TAFE SA.

Why would I choose to share personal information?

If you’re someone with disability, medical condition or mental health, whether you should share this personal information is often a difficult question. You may choose to do so in order to:

• Assist you in the transition from secondary education to TAFE SA.
• Obtain information about available support services at TAFE SA.
• Discuss course core requirements to ensure that the course you have chosen is appropriate.
• Find out how to access services once you have enrolled.
• Discuss your specific needs with Student S and/ or Lecturer/s to ensure appropriate services are provided.
• Receive legal protection from discrimination
• Appropriately advocate for yourself

When should I share personal information?

The decision to share personal information is often not a final decision but one that can be re-evaluated over time, based on your circumstances. You may choose to do this:

• Prior to enrolment
• During the enrolment process
• Whilst you are studying
• Never (You may choose not to share information about your disability, medical condition or mental health if no reasonable adjustments are needed, or if you have decided to manage your support needs personally).

What information should I share?

Deciding what information to share is an important step in the process. 

Sharing personal information about your disability, medical condition or mental health is most effective when you are clear about the purpose and the desired outcomes you are looking for. This ensures that you communicate your needs to the right person, in a timely and appropriate manner and with a clear goal in mind.

The sharing of personal information is most effective when you are knowledgeable about your disability, medical condition or mental health, and can clearly explain your support needs and abilities.

How should I share personal information?

So, you have decided to share personal information about your disability, medical condition or mental health .... what next? There are various ways that you can effectively communicate to the appropriate people whilst you are studying at TAFE SA.

This can occur, by:

• Making an appointment with Student Success and Wellbeing to discuss your support needs and seek advice.
• Developing an Access Plan with Student Success and Wellbeing to communicate your support needs and reasonable adjustments to Lecturing staff.
• Talking to your Lecturer/s.

Sometimes we all need little bit of help with being able to effectively communicate our needs. TAFE SA has developed a resource ‘Sharing of Personal Information’ to assist those who would like guidance to effectively communicate their support needs with others. You can contact Student Success and Wellbeing for the resource and/or seek assistance and advice.