Guide for students using mobility aids on campus

Mobility Aid use on Docklands campus

Monash College supports students who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids to participate in their academic activities. Information provided here will help you understand what support is available and who you can contact if you need assistance.

Accommodation in Melbourne

Monash College preferred Accommodation providers offer wheelchair accessible accommodation options.

For all accommodation queries including alternative accommodation options, please contact accommodation@monashcollege.edu.au

Building Induction

The Docklands campus is wheelchair accessible.

  • Mazemaps shows you where ramp access, all-access bathrooms, and evacuation points are located for this building.
  • The Level 2 Lift is used to access Level 4.
  • Please see the Concierge staff on level 2 or email facilities@monashcollege.edu.au if the Level 2 lift is out of order and Staff will arrange alternative lift access for you.

When starting at the College, students using mobility aids should email ohs@monashcollege.edu.au to connect with the College’s OHS Advisor. The OHS Advisor will arrange an induction to ensure students are familiar with:

  • Accessible entry points and the location of all lifts.
  • How to contact Security and request First Aid assistance.
  • Evacuation points and emergency procedures.
  • Location of accessible bathrooms
  • Location of various support services on campus.

Counselling

Counsellors are available at Monash College to support students with personal or mental health difficulties. Counsellors also assist students to apply for Disability support (DSS). Counselling is confidential. That means the counsellor will not discuss your information with others. You can book an appointment via the Counselling Portal.

Disability support  (DSS)

Disability support (DSS) provides formal adjustments for you during your studies at Monash.

  • DSS is administered by the Disability Support Service (DSS) at Monash University.
  • If you feel confident to apply for disability support yourself, you can do so via the DSS website.
  • If you need help to apply, are unsure if you want to apply, or you want to change your approved conditions, a Monash College Counsellor can assist. Please  book an appointment with a Counsellor or email counselling@monashcollege.edu.au
  • Formal disability support includes things like: 
    • extra time in exams
    • flexibility in assignment deadlines
    • small exam venues
    • preferential scheduling for your timetable.
  • If movement around the campus takes longer for you than for students without mobility aids, preferential scheduling means you can request allocation to:
    • classrooms that are easy to access or are close to accessible bathrooms
    • classes that are spaced out during the day so you have time for bathroom breaks
    • classes scheduled outside of peak hour traffic times
    • Although Timetable staff will consider all requests for preferential scheduling, and endeavour to allocate you to classes based on your mobility needs.
  • Good communication with your teachers will help you receive the support you need. You are the expert in what is helpful for you. Let your teachers know what has been helpful in your past schooling and what was unhelpful.
  • Some students do not like attention being drawn to them or their disability. You can communicate what you are comfortable addressing with classmates. Counsellors at College can also liaise with teachers for you, if that is more comfortable for you.
  • Informal forms of support that teachers provide include things like:
    • leniency if you are late to class due to mobility challenges
    • preferential seating in class
    • ability to take longer bathroom breaks
    • help to connect with peers who can assist you with tasks when needed.
  • For assistance getting books on high shelves in the Library, just ask our Librarians and Library volunteers will be happy to assist.

Evacuation: Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)

What is a PEEP? A PEEP, or Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, is a personalised "escape plan" designed to help individuals safely evacuate a building during an emergency, such as a fire.

Who Needs a PEEP? You might need a PEEP if you:

  • Have difficulty walking or moving quickly (mobility impairments).
  • Have trouble seeing (visual impairments).
  • Have trouble hearing alarms or instructions (hearing impairments).
  • Have cognitive or emotional challenges that might affect your response in an emergency.

You may also need a temporary PEEP if you:

  • Have a short-term injury (e.g., a broken leg).
  • Are dealing with a temporary medical condition.
  • Are in the later stages of pregnancy.

Ask yourself this question:

"Can I leave the building safely and quickly (including evacuation down stairs) on my own in an emergency?" If the answer is NO, you likely need a PEEP.

How to Get a PEEP

If you need help evacuating, even for a short time, it’s important to let the College know. Contact the College’s OHS Advisor to create a PEEP that ensures your safety.

Email: ohs@monashcollege.edu.au

First Aid

The College has trained First Aid Officers available on campus to help if you feel unwell or need treatment for an injury. All Security Guards are also all First Aid trained.

To request First Aid assistance please:

  • Call Security on 9905 3333
  • Press an Emergency Help Point located around campus
  • Speak with Concierge on Level 2 or via 9903 8708.

The College also has two wheelchairs which can be used by students short-term in an emergency.

Laboratory use for science subjects

When starting at the College, students using mobility aids should email ohs@monashcollege.edu.au to connect with the College’s OHS Advisor. The OHS Advisor will arrange an induction and a meeting with the Laboratory Manager to discuss your needs and organise the necessary support.

For science laboratory classes, this includes:

  • Organising accessible lab workstations, equipment, and protective gear.
  • Ensuring emergency evacuation plans are in place and easy to follow.
  • Informing teachers about specific requirements for lab activities.
  • Checking that safety equipment and materials are within easy reach.
  • Asking for help or adjustments to fully participate in class activities.

Taking these steps early will ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning experience.

Student Engagement

  • Excursion considerations: Let us know if you use a wheelchair, crutches, or other mobility aid so we can arrange suitable transport and seating in advance.
  • Students who use mobility aids must indicate this in their off-campus consent form before the event. They can also email us to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made at engagement@monashcollege.edu.au

Transport: getting to and from campus

For information on wheelchair access and mobility requirements on public transport refer to the Public transport Victoria (PTV) site.

For a range of public transport services, refer to this site: Accessible public transport services

You may also find the Tram Timetables & routes helpful and you can download the tramTRACKER® app for tram arrival times and disruption updates

Key Contacts

Email: disabilitysupportservices@monash.edu and Website

Exam disability support at Monash College: admin@monashcollege.edu.au