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Media Release

PAUL LYNCH MP

MINISTER FOR AGEING
MINISTER FOR DISABILITY SERVICES
MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS

School leavers with a disability will today be urged to pursue their education at university.

The NSW Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch will push home the message when launching the inaugural Disability Awareness Week at the University of NSW.

Mr Lynch said that the aim of the week – “Helping people of all abilities to achieve” – would raise awareness in the community of the needs and contributions of students with a disability both on and off campus.

"This week will raise awareness about the many and varied academic and social achievements of students with a disability."

Mr Lynch said there were more than 1,000 students with a disability attending courses at the University of NSW.

“The fact that these students are a vital part of the learning institution quite clearly indicates that the tertiary sector is an inclusive one which promotes and supports equity and access to all people.”

“These students face a range of issues – some have physical or mobility related disabilities, medical conditions. Others have vision and hearing impairments and learning disabilities.

“But better technology such as communication and adaptive technologies have created greater access opportunities for students with disabilities,” he said.

Mr Lynch said that hosting a week focusing on disability was an excellent way to show secondary students with a disability that there was an important place for them in the universities of NSW and that they could play a valuable role in the university community.

He said there were approximately 1.2 million people in NSW with a disability.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tim O’Halloran 0434 188 980