The Guidelines on Travel Assistance for Conferences or SSP for Academic Staff Members with Disabilities were developed by the Equity and Diversity Unit in consultation with UNSW's Legal Officer and other members of UNSW staff. Enquiries about the Guidelines should be directed to the Director, Equity and Diversity. Copies of the Guidelines may be obtained from the Equity and Diversity Unit.

UNSW has established the Travel Assistance Fund as part of its commitment to academic staff members with disabilities. When they are travelling on approved voluntary activities such as conferences or SSP, the Fund will contribute to additional travel costs incurred because of the disabilities.

Please note that when academic staff members with disabilities are travelling at the direction of the University, reasonable adjustment provisions apply (refer to the Reasonable Adjustment Guidelines for Managers of Staff and Potential Staff with Disabilities).

Applicants must be members of the academic staff with disabilities who:

Assistance from the Fund is not available for travel on additional leave (recreation, long service, leave without pay) which is taken in conjunction with the voluntary activity.

The University will allocate $10,000 annually to the Fund. Funds not allocated will accumulate to create and maintain a fund of $50,000 maximum.

The Travel Assistance Fund Committee (TAFC) will assess applications.

The Fund is administered by the Director, Equity and Diversity who will report annually to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) on the Fund. The report will include an annual review of the adequacy of the financial allocation, and an activity report including applications for funding and their outcomes.

TAFC will be convened as needed to assess applications to the Fund. Its core membership will comprise:

Assessment of UNSW's contribution towards the specific travel requirements will be in accord with the principles of reasonable adjustment in relevant disability discrimination legislation.
Assessment will normally be made from the documentation provided by the applicant, which must include an estimated itemised budget.

Further information may be sought from the applicant in writing or at interview. TAFC may seek advice from professionals external to the Advisory Committee or the University as may be necessary to assist in the assessment. TAFC may also require medical or other relevant evidence in support of an application for funding.

Following assessment, all applicants will normally be informed of the outcome within one month of their application.

An unsuccessful applicant may, within one week of notification of the application outcome, request the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) to review the decision.

All applications will be treated confidentially. Application forms can be obtained from the Equity and Diversity Unit on (02) 9385 4734. Please forward completed applications to the Director, Equity and Diversity."