Education and Mental Health
Do I have a right to education?
Yes, you do. Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that ‘Everyone has a right to education’. The specific right of people with disabilities to education is stated in Article 6 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons. Australia is a signatory to both these declarations, which means people with disabilities in Australia have a right to education which can be legally recognised and enforced.
Do I have a right to have the needs that are specific to my disability met?
Yes, though there are limits to what needs must be met. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 requires organisations to provide reasonable accommodations/adjustments to allow people with disabilities to participate, unless the accommodations/adjustments would cause unjustifiable hardship. For information regarding unjustifiable hardship, see "Are there excuses or defences for discrimination?" below.
How do people with mental health issues cope at university?
Many people with disabilities, including those relating to mental health issues, pass courses and achieve degrees, often with flying colours. It is essential to know that you don’t have to struggle alone and that putting your hand up for a bit of assistance could mean the difference between dropping out and surviving.
Educational institutions vary in the services they provide and the policies they implement. There is also some difference in what they call their services and staff. However, here are some tips that may help you tackle university life.
