Neurodiverse and Disabled Learner Support

If you're one of our students and you have an impairment or disability, medical condition, or injury that might affect your studies, don't worry – we’ve got you. We want everyone to be successful and reach their full potential, and we believe in creating a campus environment that's safe, inclusive, and free from any kind of discrimination.

Confidential support from day one

So, what exactly does this mean for you? Well, when you first enrol at NZST, we’ll ask if there's any specific support you need or if there are any barriers you think you might encounter during your studies. This information is kept confidential, so you don't have to worry about anyone else finding out about it without your permission. A Learner Success Coordinator will then meet with you individually to better understand your learning needs. Our Learner Success Coordinators liaise with our learners and Tutors to further understand what learning strategies have been effective in the past, and what could be helpful moving forward for you in the classroom and campus environment.

A safe space on campus

And if you're someone who's hypersensitive to sensory information or just need a quiet space to self-regulate, we have sensory spaces available at some of our campuses. These spaces are equipped with products that can help with de-escalation.

New Zealand’s most comprehensive sensory space for neurodivergent learners is being launched by Yoobee Colleges at its 360 Queen Street campus, which houses learners studying at New Zealand School of Tourism, Cut Above Academy and Elite School of Beauty and Spa. Read more here.

NZST also offers additional support services like:

pastoral care
counselling for mental health and wellbeing
stress management
relationship concerns, and student advocacy.

Plus, if you're looking to connect with disability agencies or organisations in New Zealand, here’s some links to check out.

If you need any further information or assistance, just reach out to your onsite Learner Success Team member and they'll be happy to help you out.

YOOBEE COLLEGES DISABILITY ACTION PLAN 2022–2025

Our priority at Yoobee Colleges Limited is to create an inclusive educational environment that values diversity, promotes inclusive practices and ensures equitable access to education for disabled learners’ while also supporting their academic and social development.

This aligns with New Zealand’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and guidance from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and Ministry of Education (MoE).

Strategic goals

We have identified the following goals to guide our Disability Action Plan (DAP):

Inclusive Participation: Enable full and equitable participation in all aspects of campus life.
Accessibility: Improve physical, environmental, and digital accessibility across campuses.
Personalised Support: Provide Alternative Arrangements tailored to the diverse needs of disabled learners.
Staff Capability: Grow awareness and tutor capability through professional development focused on inclusive practices.
Collaboration: Strengthen internal and external partnerships to support a holistic learner experience.
Continuous Improvement: Monitor and evaluate strategies regularly to improve outcomes.

Progress Highlights (2020–2024)

Significant increase in disability disclosure, with disabled learners now representing a larger portion of our ākonga.
Positive trends in course and qualification completions among disabled learners.
Improvements in support systems, driven by enhanced leadership roles and staff training.

Contact Us

For more information, please read the full document - Yoobee Colleges Disability Action Plan.

If you require the DAP in a different format, please contact our Head Learner Success kellystevens@yoobeecolleges.com

Together, we are building a future where all learners can thrive.