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Students working on a laptop
Additional services and resources
ECU Neurodivergent Mentoring Program
The ECU Neurodivergent Mentoring Program was established in 2023 with a view to support students with unique challenges to adjust to student life and foster a sense of belonging at ECU. The program pairs students with peer mentors with lived experience of neurodivergence and are in their later years of study at ECU. Mentoring takes place weekly or fortnightly and can be conducted in person or online. Support may include assistance with navigating university systems, accessing support services, communicating with academic staff and developing strategies to build confidence and lead to academic success. Students who are interested in the program should contact their Accessibility Adviser or make an initial appointment with the service to discuss further.
Neurodivergent TEAMs Channel
The ‘ECU Neurodivergent Community’ TEAMs channel was established in response to an increasing number of students with ADHD accessing support through Access and Inclusion. Whilst these students often shared common challenges, many also felt isolated and disconnected from their peers. The channel aims to create a platform for peer connection, where students with shared experiences can connect with each other, access relevant resources and facilitate their own study sessions (body doubling). Students seeking access to the group should contact their Accessibility Adviser or make an initial appointment with the service to discuss further.
Sensory Spaces
ECU has recently opened Sensory Spaces in the library on each campus. A Sensory Space is a controllable environment where students can regulate their sensory input, emotions, recover from sensory overwhelm and access resources. Sensory Spaces are important in creating access to education for students with sensory needs.
Who is this space for?
Sensory Spaces are traditionally designed for students with sensory processing disabilities and/or neurodivergence, and the spaces have been designed to support these individuals across three distinct zones: Calm, Connection and Community zones. Each space is also equipped with empowering and affirming resources, as well as a Sensory Library including items such as ear defenders, sensory kits, weighted items, puzzles, and colouring tools.
Alternative Spaces
The Sensory Spaces are not intended for students to complete assignments or undertake long periods of study. Students seeking a quiet place to study should use the quiet study areas in the library or consider booking a silent study room.
CANVAS
Current students can access a range of disability specific resources on the Access and Inclusion CANVAS site.