About Accessibility Services
Accessibility Services is a small, dedicated team focused on providing high-quality, robust services that meet the needs of students who engage with us.
Meet the team
We aim to ensure that all students at the University of Waikato have the opportunity to succeed academically, regardless of any disabilities or impairments they may be experiencing. We strive to create a positive and engaging student experience for everyone.
We welcome students to visit us at any time during our working hours. Appointments can also be made to meet with any member of our team at a time that suits you.
Located on Level One of Te Manawa | The Student Centre
Dr Chelsea Blickem - Team Lead
Chelsea brings extensive expertise in applied linguistics, ESOL, and academic literacies to her role as Acting Team Lead for Accessibility Services. Her involvement with the Disability Working Group enhances her ability to understand diverse accessibility needs, positioning her to effectively guide the Accessibility Services Team in providing comprehensive support to the university community.
With a background in applied linguistics, ESOL, academic literacies, and second language learning and teaching, Chelsea leads English language and academic literacies in-sessional provision across the university from pre-degree to PhD. Chelsea coordinates offshore language provision for the university's TNE programmes and leads the MTESOL programme.
Tim Gutteridge - Accessibility Advisor
I am a registered Social Worker with experience working in mental health services with roles in community mental health, practice teaching and therapeutic interventions in both the UK and in Aotearoa New Zealand.
I am a team member of the Accessibility Service at the university and along with my colleagues we provide support with a range of interventions such as note taking, alternative test and exam arrangements and advocacy.
Emma Hill - Accessibility Advisor
Emma has a background in teaching Assistive Technologies to students and previously worked with Blind and Low Vision students, in Australia and Aotearoa NZ. She's here to listen and provide support to help you reach your academic potential.
Donna McCormick - Accessibility Advisor
Donna has a background in human services, working with victims of crime in the Department of Justice in Australia. She has held a number of roles in communications, stakeholder engagement, training development, and community programmes.
Lev Villamar-Hely - Administrative Support
Lev has worked in a range of roles across campus, including eTuts where they provided technical support to staff and students. With a strong foundation in digital accessibility and user experience, they're dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments.
Located on Level One with the Student Advisors
Caro Genet - Accessibility Advisor
Caro comes with a wide range of experience supporting students with diversity in their learning at the tertiary level. She also has many years of experience working with, and advocating for people in their everyday lives. As part of the Accessibility Team, Caro enjoys using an ecological perspective to create accessible learning solutions.
Our vision & values
Our role
Supporting students with impairments to achieve success in their studies.
Our vision
At Accessibility Services, we are dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment, at the University of Waikato, for all students with impairments. We aim to empower our students to realise their academic goals by working with them to unlock their full potential.
Core values
- Empowerment
- Collaboration
- Professionalism
- Accessibility
- Diversity
At the University of Waikato, we are committed to equitable education. Our mission is to ensure that students with impairments have equal access to all aspects of campus life and the student experience. Through our Accessibility Services, we endeavour to create a more inclusive and accessible university environment, where every student has an equal opportunity for success.
While students are welcome to register with Accessibility Services at any time, we encourage all individuals with impairments or support needs to register before commencing their studies or as early as possible. This proactive approach ensures that students receive the tailored support that meets their unique requirements.
Key policies
This policy outlines the principles and practices intended to enable full and equal access and inclusion for students with disabilities and impairments. It applies to all students and staff at the University of Waikato and includes:
- Purpose: To ensure full and equal access and inclusion for disabled and impaired students.
- Scope: Covers long-term, temporary, and fluctuating disabilities and impairments.
- Reasonable Accommodations: Details the adjustments made to lessen the impact of impairments without compromising academic standards.
- Principles: Emphasizes the commitment to providing reasonable accommodations to enhance academic success and participation in student life.
For more details, you can read the full Students with Disabilities and Impairments Policy.
The Disability Action Plan was developed through consultation with staff and students and endorsed by the University Council. It outlines the University's commitment to improving participation and achievement for disabled students. Key objectives include:
- Objective 1: Be an inclusive, safe, and welcoming university.
- Objective 2: Create barrier-free access to our campuses.
- Objective 3: Foster an inclusive teaching and learning environment.
- Objective 4: Increase learner engagement in university life.
- Objective 5: Progress work on policies that impact disabled learners.
The plan aligns with the University Strategy and other key documents, promoting universal design principles and equity across the university.
For more details, you can read the full Disability Action Plan.
Our website is for everyone. We make the University website easy to use if you:
- Need a computer to read words out loud
- Use only a keyboard
- Want to make text bigger
- Need different colours to read better
- Read in other languages
We follow New Zealand's website rules to make sure:
- It's easy to find what you need
- Everything on our site works well
- The words are clear and simple
- You can use our site in the way that works best for you
We are working to meet New Zealand Government Web Standards which align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA guidelines.
Download and read the University of Waikato Web Accessibility Statement (PDF 85kb).