Disability access and inclusion plan
At Curtin, we have a long history of commitment to equal opportunity in education and employment.
In 1997, we were the first Western Australian university to develop a voluntary Disability Services Plan, and in 2007 we lodged our first Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP).
Our continued commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive experience to our diverse university community is guided by our current DAIP 2022-2030.
DAIP 2022-2030 summary
DAIP 2022-2030 full version
DAIP 2022-2030 easy read version
DAIP Review
A soft-touch review of Curtin’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2022–2030 was completed in July this year. The review found that implementation progress is strongest within Outcome 5 (complaints), Outcome 3 (information) and Outcome 6 (consultation), where accessible systems, policies and governance arrangements have become embedded in Curtin’s ongoing practices.
However, there is always room for improvement, particularly in relation to Outcome 2 (buildings and facilities). Further updates on this work will be shared in due course.
Read about three achievements highlighted in the review.
DAIP achievements
Research Award
Mx Kim Andressen, who was awarded a competitive research grant under the Disability Research Leadership Program. This achievement reflects Curtin’s commitment to supporting disability-led research that delivers meaningful community impact.
Kim’s research is co-designing trauma-informed consent education for young people with disabilities aged 12–16 years, including accessible resources that support non-speaking consent.
Image Above: Mx Kim Andreassen
Sunflower Program
The Sunflower Program encourages respectful understanding that some individuals may require additional support while maintaining their privacy, autonomy and self-determination. Staff and students are also introduced to the voluntary use of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, including lanyards, badges and stickers, enabling individuals to discreetly indicate that they may require assistance.
Image Above: Sunflower cupcakes for attendees at the Curtin University Launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Review Reference Group
In 2026, Curtin established the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) Review Reference Group to provide strategic advice and lived experience to inform on Curtin University’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. Comprised of staff, students and representative from the Curtin Student Guild, the group brings diverse perspectives to strengthen the review and ongoing implementation of Curtin’s DAIP.
Image Above: from left to right, back standing: Rachel Menahem, Katie Ellis (Chair), Meagan Shand, Saul Karnovsky, Alex Purcher, Kim Andreassen. From left to right, front, kneeing: Yangchen Tshogyal, Imari Morris, Mia Antenucci
DAIP outcomes
Our DAIP 2022-2030 includes key outcomes that drive our approach to accessibility and inclusion at Curtin.
- Outcome 1: People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the services of, and events organised by, Curtin.
- Outcome 2: People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access Curtin’s buildings and facilities.
- Outcome 3: People with disability receive information from Curtin in a format that will enable them to access the information as readily as other people are able to access it.
- Outcome 4: People with disability receive the same level and quality of service from Curtin staff as other people receive from Curtin staff.
- Outcome 5: People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to Curtin.
- Outcome 6: People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any public consultation by Curtin.
- Outcome 7: People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to obtain and maintain employment at Curtin.
Access and inclusion initiatives
The Abilities Collective @ Curtin
The Abilities Collective is a group of Curtin staff with disability and allies who want to see positive change for people with disabilities studying and working at Curtin.
Curtin Access Plans
A Curtin Access Plan (CAP) outlines the reasonable adjustments recommended for a student with a disability, physical or mental health condition, or a carer of a person with disability, to enable equitable access to their studies.
Library services
The Curtin Library provides services for students and staff with disability, including access to accessible spaces like the Equity Room, Resting Room and Changing Places bathroom.