No images? Click here
Kia ora e te whānau,
It's hard to believe we're over halfway through Trimester 2 already. We hope you stayed warm during the icy weather and enjoyed seeing snow in Wellington!
As we head into the final stretch of the trimester, it’s a great time to check in with yourself, celebrate what's going well, and make use of the support available if you need it.
Here's what you'll find in this newsletter:
- Meet the newest members of our team
- Updates on accessing support and connecting with us
- Disability Inclusion Arrangements and assessment support
- Access Suite improvements
- Study support and resources
- Free fruit in The Bubble 🍎
- Inclusive technology and one-to-one training
- Career Services Focus Group
- Student Column—call for submissions
- Sign of the month
Ngā mihi,
Te Amaru—Disability Services
Our new team members
We’ve welcomed four new team members to Te Amaru—Disability Services.
Shannon Hennig, Team Leader Advice and Support
Shannon is a Speech-Language Therapist and neurodiversity consultant with experience across disability, education, mental health, and assistive technology. She’s passionate about communication accessibility and helping build inclusive environments where students feel understood, supported, and able to succeed.
Bernadette Chong, Academic Inclusion Coordinator
Bernadette brings experience in coordination and operational support across both tertiary and community sectors. She is excited to return to the university environment and contribute to the delivery of accessible assessments. Bernadette enjoys working with students and staff and helping ensure support runs smoothly.
Amanda Shrapnell, Team Leader Service Provision
Amanda joins us with extensive experience in disability support and service coordination (NASC), having worked across health, education, justice, and social service sectors. She brings a strong focus on improving services, streamlining processes, and supporting teams to deliver a positive student experience.
Shalu Rana, Office Coordinator
Shalu joins us as Office Coordinator while Grace is on secondment. She previously supported students at Te Herenga Waka as an International Administrator and is completing doctoral study in Health Psychology. Shalu brings a warm and collaborative approach to the team.
Accessing our services
A simpler pathway to support
We've expanded the role of our Disability Support Navigators to help you access support more quickly and easily.
Support Navigators can now assist with a wider range of support needs, including arranging some accessible assessment arrangements. This may mean receiving help sooner without needing an additional appointment with a Disability Inclusion Adviser. Our advisers continue to be available for students who have more complex support requirements.
Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to connect with the support you need, reaching the right person at the right time.
Finding the right support
To help you connect with the right support more quickly, we've updated our website to provide clearer information about what Te Amaru can help with, and which services are managed by other University teams.
While Te Amaru provides disability, accessibility, and inclusion support, some enquiries are best directed to other specialist services.
For example:
- Student Success Advisers help with course planning, academic progress, and course changes.
- Course Coordinators are the best people to speak to about extensions, assessments and course delivery.
- Mauri Ora—Student Health and Counselling provides health, mental health support and counselling services.
- To obtain Limited Full-Time Study applications visit StudyLink, send your completed form to your Tītoko Student Success Adviser, along with health professional verification. If you do not know who your adviser is, email info@vuw.ac.nz. Once you receive the approved form, upload it to StudyLink using www.connect.co.nz.
If you're not sure where to start, Te Amaru can help point you in the right direction.
For more information about what we do, what we don't do, and how we work alongside other support services, visit our Working with us webpage.
Assessment and exam support
New students
If you’re new to Te Amaru—Disability Services and think disability-related support could help with your studies, we encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible.
We can work with you to understand your needs and explore what support may be available, including access suites, digital note-taking software, inclusive learning software, and accessible assessment arrangements for those who need them. We need at least two weeks to put supports in place.
Email us or come see our friendly team 8.30 am–4.30 pm, Monday–Friday on Level 1 of the Robert Stout Building. We’re here to help!
Returning students
For those that have accessible assessment arrangements, you recently received an email with a copy of your current Accessible Assessment Plan. Please review it carefully to make sure the information is correct and reflects the support you need.
If you’d like any changes ahead of the end-of-year exam period, please ensure you have an appointment booked with us before 18 September. Getting in touch early is important, as appointment availability will be limited as we approach that date.
You should also receive details of your assessments during the exam period at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the exam period. If you don't receive this information, please email disability@vuw.ac.nz.
Access Suites
Access card updates
Some students have experienced issues with swipe card access and automatic doors in the Access Suites. We’re pleased to say we’ve found a resolution.
Access permissions are now being updated on your student ID card prior to the start of each trimester. We expect this will significantly reduce access issues going forward. Thank you for your patience while these improvements were being implemented.
Changes to Access Suite furniture
To help keep the Access Suites safe, accessible, and welcoming for all students, we’ve recently reviewed the furniture and layout of the rooms. The beds have been removed. Electric recliner chairs remain available, and we’ve introduced floor mats and bean bags as additional options for rest and relaxation.
These changes will improve accessibility, create more space for students using wheelchairs and mobility equipment, and support a more hygienic and flexible shared environment.
If you would like to suggest ideas for improvements to the Access Suite, please contact us at disability@vuw.ac.nz.
You can find the access suites in our campus libraries:
- Kelburn (RB103)—past the Hub on level 1, before Louis’ Takeaway Café, you’ll find the access suite just inside the library gates.
- Pipitea (RHGO5)—the access suite is located behind the library office.
- Te Aro (Room 118)—this room is located in the library, and you can book the access suite online.
Get support with inclusive technology
Did you know Te Amaru offers a range of technology tools that can support your study, note taking, reading, writing, and organisation?
Whether you're new to Read&Write or Genio, or you're looking to get more from the features available, Nashie, our Inclusive Technology Assistant, is here to help.
We offer free one-to-one training tailored to your needs, helping you build confidence and discover features that can support your everyday study tasks.
Here’s how you can connect with Nashie:
- Book a workshop or appointment.
- Email a question to inclusivesoftware@vuw.ac.nz.
- Book an appointment through reception.
Study support and resources
Library Express
Need quick help with an assignment, study strategy, or writing task? Library Express is a great place to connect with a Learning Adviser for a 15-minute chat.
- 11 am–1 pm, Monday to Friday
- Level 2, Kelburn Library
- No booking required
Bring along your question, assignment, or piece of writing and get support when you need it.
StudyHub
Looking for study tips and resources at any time of the day?
StudyHub is an online library of tools, guides, and learning resources to support your study and assessment preparation.
We especially recommend the Assignment Planner, which can help you keep track of deadlines and stay organised throughout the trimester.
Free fruit and warmth in The Bubble 🍎
Need a break from the winter weather or a healthy snack between classes?
Free fruit is available in The Bubble—Kelburn edition (SU216) during teaching weeks. Pop in, grab a piece of fruit, and take a moment to recharge before heading to your next class or study session. Their heat pumps work overtime, so it’s a great place to escape the winter weather!
Career Services Focus Group
Career Services
Help make Careers Services more accessible and equitable for all.
Have you been hesitant or not sure how to access University Career Services?
Apply to join the Focus Group on Wednesday 16 September at 4-5pm at Kelburn Campus. Come share your thoughts, get treats, and a coffee voucher.
For more info, contact: jessicaarlund2@gmail.com
Student Column—call for submissions
Do you have a helpful study tip, a way to look after your wellbeing, or a story that might lift someone’s spirits? We want to hear from you!
Send us a short submission for our student column with your practical advice or positive perspective. It could be about:
- how you manage your disability needs
- what helps you stay connected
- something that made your day better.
Submissions should be:
- uplifting, encouraging, or empowering
- focused on study, wellbeing, or campus life
- submitted as a Word document
- 250 words or less.
We’ll feature selected tips in our newsletter to support and inspire others.
📧 Send your tips to: disability@vuw.ac.nz
🗓️ You can submit anytime!
📝 Please note: submissions may be edited for clarity or length.
Sign of the month
Having experienced a glimpse of snow recently, our sign of the month is "cold" ❄️
Give it a try with your friends, classmates, whānau, or the Te Amaru team. Learning even a few NZSL signs is a great way to build connection and help create a more inclusive community on campus.
Stay warm, take care of yourself this winter, and see if you can use the sign for "cold" the next time you're talking about the weather! 😊
Stay connected
Check out our website for useful information www.wgtn.ac.nz/disability
Follow us on Instagram @vuwequitywellbeing
Connect with us on Facebook
