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Resolved complaint (19) about disability discrimination in education

Learn how a complaint (19) about disability discrimination in education was resolved through conciliation.

Disability rights Conciliation register entry

Summary

  • Year: 2021
  • Relevant Act: Disability Discrimination Act
  • Grounds: Disability; Unlawful to contravene Disability Standards
  • Area(s): Education
  • Settlement terms:
    • Apology - private
    • Compensation
    • Policy change/Change in practice
  • Settlement amount: $250

About the complaint

The complainant has an intellectual disability and was enrolled in a course with the respondent vocational training provider to attain a qualification in aged care. She alleged she was refused an extension of time to complete the course requirements to accommodate her disability and her enrolment was terminated.

On being notified of the complaint, the training organisation indicated a willingness to try to resolve the matter by conciliation.

The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the training organisation take proactive steps to ensure that students who disclose a learning or cognitive disability understand the requirements of the course in which they have enrolled and their ability to ask for adjustments to accommodate their disability. The training organisation also agreed to write to the complainant apologising for the distress she experienced as a result of the breakdown in communication, provide her with a statement of attainment for units completed and offer her a $250 voucher for a service that provides assistance in resume development and other job seeking skills.

Guidance on the use of these summaries

This is a summary of a selected complaint that has been resolved through our conciliation process. It's designed to help people better understand how complaints might be resolved and what outcomes are possible.

These summaries are for general guidance only and are not legal advice. If you need advice about your situation, you should seek independent legal support.

Please note:

  • all complaints are de-identified
  • complaints are resolved on a 'without admission of liability' basis
  • some content may include confronting or offensive language.

Guides

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