1. National Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative Kay Dean, Regional Disability Liaison Officer Educational Access Scheme What is it? Who can apply, when and how? What happens to EAS forms? What do I do now?

2. National Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative Kay Dean, Regional Disability Liaison Officer What is it? EAS is a state scheme used by NSW and ACT universities that recognises long-term educational disadvantage, and the impact that this has had on your studies Applies to a range of disadvantages One application form covers entry to any NSW or ACT university Your confidentiality is maintained at all stages

3. National Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative Kay Dean, Regional Disability Liaison Officer Types of Disadvantages Disrupted Schooling Financial Hardship Home Environment and Responsibilities English Language Difficulty Personal Illness/Disability School Environment

4. National Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative Kay Dean, Regional Disability Liaison Officer Who can apply, when and how? Who - school leavers are eligible if they can demonstrate that their educational performance during Years 11 and/or 12 (or an equivalent, eg an Enabling Program at uni or TPC at TAFE) has been seriously affected by circumstances beyond their control When - applications close 27 September (but check this date each year!). Apply for university entry first - you’ll need the UAC application number to complete the EAS form How - school Careers Advisers, universities and TAFEs have a supply of booklets, or download from http://www.uac.edu.au/

5. National Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative Kay Dean, Regional Disability Liaison Officer What happens to EAS forms? Forms are centrally assessed by a team at the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) in Sydney Universities are then advised of the assessment outcomes - be assured that it is a confidential process Some universities acknowledge receipt of this information by sending a letter to you, but most don’t

6. National Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative Kay Dean, Regional Disability Liaison Officer Some hints …….. Generally –Use dot points to explain your situation. The assessors aren’t concerned with how well its worded –Also, its very likely that you could be eligible for more than one category. Take time to read the instructions and explore this. Confidential Statement of Support –To be completed by the school …. choose someone who really knows how the circumstances have affected you. It doesn’t have to be the Principal. Medical Statement of Support –Better if completed by a health professional who knows how the disability/illness has really affected you, rather than a specialist who you may only see once a year!

7. National Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative Kay Dean, Regional Disability Liaison Officer What Do I Do Now? If you haven’t submitted an EAS application, do it now! You do need to gather a range of supporting documentation, so try not to leave everything to the last minute Applying for University entry is a separate process - make sure you do that as well!

8. National Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative Kay Dean, Regional Disability Liaison Officer Remember …... Don’t hesitate to ask for advice - contact the staff noted in the EAS booklet for assistance Keep copies of the information supplied (especially important if claiming under the disability/illness category and seeking registration with University disability services) Good luck …..