The MULSS Disability Portfolio, headed by the Disability Representative and supported by the Disability Officer, provides guidance to and advocates on behalf of students with disabilities, mental health conditions, persistent chronic illnesses, and/or any other impairments studying at MLS.

Law school is challenging by any standard, and experiencing a disability while studying can feel especially daunting and isolating. The Disability Portfolio aims to make the experience a little easier.

Current initiatives and duties include:

• Drop-in sessions between students and faculty

• Facilitating greater accessibility for students to utilise the disability support services at MLS, including Academic Adjustment Plans and Alternative Exam Arrangements

• Advertising disability-specific legal opportunities

• Fostering a sense of disability community at MLS through social opportunities to interact with other students experiencing disabilities

• Working to encourage openness about disability and reduce stigma

David Minahan and Mary Chan are the Disability Representatives for 2025. They can be reached via the MULSS Disability email address (disability@mulss.com) for anything spanning from advocacy, additional assistance and questions, to just generally touching base. Your identity will be kept in absolute confidence unless you wish otherwise.

Useful Contacts

Wellbeing Co-ordinator: law-wellbeing@unimelb.edu.au

• If you are facing any difficulty with regard to your disability, including assessment concerns, your first port of call is to book an appointment with the Wellbeing Co-ordinator or email them.

MLS Equal Opportunity Liaison Officer for Disability: g.patmore@unimelb.edu.au

• The role of Equal Opportunity Liaison Officers at MLS is to address disability policy issues and facilitate the progress of students with disabilities through their respective law program and liaise with and support students in academic and other related matters. You can contact Glenn Patmore, the MLS Equal Opportunity Liaison Officer for Disability via email.

Legal Academic Skills Centre: https://law.unimelb.edu.au/students/lasc

• MLS provides numerous academic support resources, including one-on-one support for assessments and legal writing skills.