First things first, we really are all different. Of course we have our fair share of similarities too, but each of us has some collection of traits or qualities that makes us uniquely 'us'. Some of these differences are more visible than others, but it's worth remembering that we all have something distinctive about us. We might share it with everyone or keep it to ourselves, but it's there, and it's ours. And no matter what it is, it doesn't make us any better or worse than anyone else. Just different.

So no one has the right to treat you any differently because of any of your personal characteristics. You shouldn't get lower marks because you're not Irish, and you shouldn't be prevented from attending classes because you have a disability. It's nobody's business that you're gay unless you choose to tell them, and you should not be bullied or harassed because of where you're from. This is basically what equality is all about.

If you feel as though you're being treated unfairly because of being different, then come visit your SU and we'll help you sort it out. It's okay to make allowance for certain differences – like providing ramps for wheelchair users and academic assistance for those with learning difficulties – but it's not okay to discriminate.

Remember, we're all different, but we're all equal.

There's no denying that life can be a bit more complicated when your differences are quite significant, and so DIT makes an effort to welcome all students with disabilities and differences.

Disabilities can include

• Visual impairment or blindness
• Hearing difficulties or deafness
• Specific learning difficulties (SpLD)
• Communication difficulties
• Physical difficulties
• Mental health difficulties
• Hidden disabilities (things like epilepsy, ME and so forth).

If you experience any of these disabilities, there are a number of supports in place to help make your course more accessible to you.

DIT has a Disability Service that offers a wide range of services to students with disabilities. If you are experiencing a disability of any kind, then give them a shout, and they will do their best to facilitate your needs.

Examples of the services they provide include:

• Computers and specialized software for students with visual impairments, dyslexia and other disabilities
• A Learning Support Service (particularly for students with dyslexia)
• Learning support including training on effective note-taking, exam preparation, reading and research skills, essay writing and editing skills
• Extra tuition in certain circumstances
• Loop systems for hearing impaired students
• Sign language interpreters (dependent on third party availability)
• Electronic note-taking, in certain circumstances (particularly beneficial for hearing impaired students or those with other difficulties)
• Photocopying allocation
• Enlarged photocopying for students with visual impairments and dyslexia
• Braille text

If you haven't previously been diagnosed as having a specific learning disability, you may wish to speak with someone about your concerns regarding your academic work. Contact the Disability Service to arrange to have a chat.

DIT is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities are in no way disadvantaged in examinations. Specific examination and other assessment arrangements may be made for you if you have a temporary or permanent disability.

The specific arrangements are intended to enable you to perform to the best of your ability and are not intended to give you an unfair advantage. These arrangements are specified in accordance with DAWN (the National Disability Advisors Working Network) exam policy guidelines for third level institutions.

You have to register with the Disability Service if you are experiencing a disability, so contact them as soon as possible. You'll need medical documentation and psycho-educational reports. All exam accommodations for DIT students are in strict accordance with the requirements of the DIT's own and DAWN's examination policy.

If a disability does prevent you taking an exam or assessment the way the rest of your class are required to, then it might be possible to make special arrangements for you.

• You might be allowed extra time to complete an exam or submit your coursework, with the approval of your course coordinator and the Exams Office.
• Instead of a printed exam paper or answer book, you might be able to avail of special facilities in the exam hall, including Braille, audio tape, or computer (with or without specialised software).
• You might be allowed avail of other special facilities, including an amanuensis (someone who will write for you), a reader, interpreter, and/or personal assistant. To qualify for any of these, you'll need to fulfil specific criteria as required by the DAWN examination policy, with the agreement of of DIT's exam policy.
• You might be allowed avail of special alternative forms of assessment, through consultation with your particular School.

This fund is an additional support and service to students with disabilities. You'll need appropriate supporting documentation with your application, which you'll need to submit before the funding deadline. Contact your local DIT Disability Office for further information.

Further details of specific arrangements for students with disabilities can be obtained from the Disability Service.

Disability Service Tel: (01) 4027681 / 7656 disability.services@dit.ie www.dit.ie/DIT/disability

Studentfinance.ie - official information on the Fund for Students with Disabilities