Student Support Services Policy

a) Prior to commencement of a course ACCM College will undertake an Initial Skills Assessment that includes identifying any LLND or special needs of each individual.

b) In the case of employment based enrolments such as traineeships, ACCM College will work in conjunction with workplace supervisors to identify and address any individual learning needs.

ACCM College will fully explore reasonable adjustment and available support services that might enable the student to successfully complete a College program.

These reasonable adjustments include modification to assessment and provision of additional services; however adjustments are not provided that would undermine the core or inherent learning required.

As a distance/online provider, ACCM College can support students by:

• Scheduling more frequent phone tutorial assistance
• Conducting periodic video contact for tutorial assistance
• Providing tutorials on how to use Webclass
• Allowing "bridging" units i.e. lower level units to build foundation knowledge (fees may apply)
• Undertaking verbal flexible assessment where appropriate

Please note that Distance/Online Delivery is likely not appropriate for learners/Trainees who require:

• Significant LLND support to assist with comprehension and completion of assessment tasks
• Face to face delivery of learning/course materials (which includes delivery of learning content via video options such as Zoom or MS Teams)
• Stepping through individual questions with a Trainer/Assessor’s support to complete Assessment materials
• On site workplace/home visits or physically hosting students on the ACCM premises

External Support 

Where a learner has a mentor or interpreter or disability coach we will work with them to support your learning. However, please note that the College does not provide these specialist LLN support staff.

Student's who may not be suitable for Distance Learning

Where the delivery method offered by the College does not suit the individual learning needs of that student the College will identify a better alternative for that student, including referring them to other providers or helping them find a more suitable course.

For this reason we may decline to accept an enrolment, or conditionally accept an enrolment pending demonstration that the student can be successful in that course/delivery mode combination with the support ACCM is able to deliver as a distance provider.

If a student has enrolled and commenced training, and further developments indicate our programs or delivery method are not suited (or in the best interest of the learner), ACCM College will work with the learner and/or employer to refer them to other providers or helping them find a more suitable course.

In summary, if we are not confident that we can support a student's learning needs with the support facilities or services we can offer at any point in the process, we will not proceed with enrolment or will work to find a more suitable provider/course if the student is already enrolled.

Information Technology requirements

All of ACCM's Training and Assessments are delivered online. 

Each individual qualification page contains the specific requirements for each qualification.

In general, learners will need access to the following physical materials.

• Access to a Desktop Computer or Laptop - some course work may be completed via mobile devices
• Internet access with Internet Explorer 8+, Chrome or Firefox
• Microsoft Office 2010 Word (or higher) 
• Subject specific Microsoft Office products for chosen electives (i.e. Excel or PowerPoint)

For information technology qualifications:

• Access to a Current Windows 10 Operating System
• Access to a desktop computer that can be physically dismantled (e.g. removal of hard drive and other components) and reassembled depending on subject choices
• Access to router, switches if required
• Possess Administrator rights for installation of software on a local computer

For accounting qualifications:

• Accounting course are based on MYOB or XERO Essentials, learners will need these applications (or utilised the the cloud based trial options)
• Trial accounting software resets every 180 days so students must be able to complete assessments within this timeframe

Limits of ACCM Information Technology Support

ACCM College does not provide any IT devices or internet connections to our learners.

Students whose IT circumstances change after enrolment may be able to source IT services and internet connections at the local library.

ACCM College will only provide information technology assistance as it applies to our learning programs or learner use of Webclass.

We are not able to provide advice or assistance in the maintenance, troubleshooting or repair of a learners information technology, private software applications or internet connections.

Learner Support Services

As part of our contract with Skills SA, ACCM College has partnered with Interskills, one of six Learner Support Services in South Australia.

What does a Learner Support Services (LSS) organisation do?

Supporting students and Trainees across the full range of possible needs take experience and expertise.

While ACCM has decades of experience supporting students, the LSS is there to help.

Learner Support Services (LSS) provides individualised support to students with barriers to training through a case management model.

LSS aims to increase completions of vocational education and training (VET) courses by students with complex support needs and assist students to transition to further study or employment.

Learner Support Services assists students to stay in training and complete their qualification by:

• helping them to navigate the training system
• addressing life issues interfering with training
• addressing study skill support needs
• obtaining supports available in the community

While support for students to develop their study skills can be provided, Learner Support Services does not provide Language, Literacy and Numeracy training.

Supports can also be provided for a wide range of specific issues that you may be facing, including:

• Family issues
• Domestic violence
• Housing and homelessness
• Interactions with the justice system
• Financial stress
• Mental health and other disability issues
• Study skills development
• In-class support needs
• Transitioning into an adult learning environment from school or after not studying for a long time
• Transitioning into work after study (post-course support is available for up to 3 months)

Interskills really wants to hear directly from you

The Interskills team want to share information about their services and processes directly with Trainees as soon as possible.

These caring and qualified individuals are always ready to help you, and we highly encourage you to reach out now to introduce yourself and let them know about any special needs you may want their assistance with.

You can contact Alision directly at Alison.Jutilane@interskills.edu.au or call 1800 779 574 to introduce yourself.

ACCM College is also able to contact Interskills on your behalf (upon your request) and set up a meeting with one of their team to discuss your individual circumstances and support needs.

Below are a variety of links to mental health services and resources for people around Australia.

• Mental health services for young people ages 12-25 at Headspace and Brave Online
• Mental health services for adults at Beyond Blue and Lifeline
• Mental health services for First Nations Peoples at Reimagine Today, Link Up and Yarn Safe at Headspace
• Mental health services for LGBTQI+ people at Acon and Qlife
• The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) is a confidential telephone counselling, information and referral service for the general public, concerned family and friends, students and health professionals.

Visit Health Direct to discover other services in your area.

For assistance 24/7 mental health assistance, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Suicide Call Back Service is a nationwide service that provides free telephone, video and online counselling 24/7. Call 1300 659 467 or go to Suicide Call Back Service online chat and video counselling.

The SA Mental Health Triage Service operates 24/7. This service:

• is the main point of access to state funded mental health services
• can provide advice and information in a mental health emergency or crisis situation
• is staffed by mental health clinicians
• will assess and refer to acute response teams where appropriate.
  
  

For further information and other links for mental health services specific to your needs and local area, visit SA Mental Health Services. 

 For further resources for young people (aged 16-24 years), visit SA Youth Mental Health Services.

Below are some links to helpful resources for people with disabilities.

Disability Employment Service (DES) providers can help if you’re looking for work or have a job placement.

If you’re looking for work, a DES provider can help you:

• Get ready to work
• Train in specific job skills
• Write your resumé
• Train in interview skills
• Look for jobs that suit you

Visit sa.gov.au for an extensive list of disability support information specific to your area. 

Visit Department of Human Services for information on helping with Financial Hardships (including interest free loans)

If you are having trouble paying household bills, getting food on the table or paying your rent or mortgage, there are services that can help.

This includes interest free loans and financial counselling

Visit Mission Australia to locate local services, resources and information. Mission Australia can help with:

• Finding safe and affordable housing
• Emergency relief
• Support for disadvantaged children
• Assistance with budgeting tools and debt reduction techniques
• Gambling counselling

The Salvation Army can provide financial counselling and assist in finding services and other support. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing financial stress, there are services that can help, visit sa.gov.au You might be able to access:

• food vouchers
• chemist vouchers
• transport vouchers
• help with rent or accommodation costs
• help toward the cost of bills
• material help, such as food hampers or clothing, and sometimes cash.

Find your bank's financial difficulty contact details at the Australian Banking Association

The Financial Counsellors’ Association provides free confidential support if you are experiencing financial difficulty. Call 1800 007 007 Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm.

Visit Gambling Help Online for counselling, information and support 24/7.

Visit the Australia Institute of Family Studies for:

• Links to online counselling
• Links to find help in your state or territory
• Get information and support for friends and family
• Get information about how to talk with someone about their gambling 

You can also visit Office for Problem Gambling for links to useful resources and information in South Australia.

Visit the NDIS website to read about the Hearing Services Program and find out if you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Deaf Connect offers information regarding:

• Education (Learning Australian Sign Language)
• Auslan translations
• Support work
• Interpreting
• NDIS support
• Therapy and family services
• Information services

For people with vision impairment, Vision Australia can:

• Help find services and support
• Provide information about funding
• Assist with understanding eye conditions
• Provide helpful resources

Visit DeafNav for information about Guide Dogs in South Australia.

For adults seeking assistance with reading, writing or basic mathematics visit the Reading and Writing Hotline or call on 1300 655 506.

SPELD SA is a not-for-profit service providing advice and services to children and adults with specific learning difficulties and those who care for, teach and work with them. 

The Skills for Education Program (SEE) helps job seekers get the skills they need for the job they want through stronger reading, writing, mathematics and computer skills. 

Please note that the SEE program is only available to:

• Australian residents who are not currently studying full-time or working full-time
• Aged 15 to pension age
• Registered as a job-seeker, either with an employment services provider or as a voluntary job seeker
• Have the right to work in Australia through citizenship, residency or visa status

The Adult Migrant English Program is an online English learning program for eligible migrants. Visit the website to learn more and check your eligibility. 

1800Respect is a National domestic family and sexual violence counselling service. Visit their website for assistance with:

• Finding services
• Safety planning
• Support for yourself or someone else
• Assistance with maintaining healthy relationships

Relationships Australia South Australia (RASA) is a not for profit, secular organisation that is committed to improving the quality of family and community relationships, thus enabling individuals to thrive.  They have more than 70 years of experience providing family and relationship services in South Australia. 

Their services are based on an understanding of the social determinants of health and operate within a public health framework. Restorative practice and trauma responsive approaches underpin their work, and they pride themselves on their inclusive culture.

Visit Homelessness Australia for an extensive list of services available in all states and territories. Please note that Homelessness Australia is not a direct support service, so although they cannot directly support, they know many organisations who can. They provide information on various services available for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, in all areas of Australia. 

sa.gov.au provides various links to community services for people who are homeless or at risk.

Homeless Connect SA is a state-wide phone service. you can reach out on 1800 003 308 for assistance. Homeless Connect can:

• Connect you with relevant services and information to help in your current situation
• Short-term assistance until you can be connected to a specialist homelessness service
• Referrals to specialist services including Domestic Violence and Family Violence services, youth services and mental health support

Visit Study Australia to find the link for your state or territory Transport website. 

These websites will provide information on public transport and any eligible concessions for each state and territory. 

If you have a disability, you can visit Disability Gateway for information on:

• Public transport
• Taxis and rideshare services
• Community transport
• Driving and parking your car

You can also visit sa.gov.au for driving and transport services. 

Foodbank provides essential food and grocery relief to more than one million Australians experiencing food insecurity every month.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2023 revealed that 3.7 million households in Australia have run out of food in the last year, with the cost of living crisis being one of the main reasons.

Foodbank works with the entire Australian food and grocery sector including farmers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers who donate and redirect surplus product to us. This enable us to provide over 225,000 meals a day to people in need.

If you are in a position where a little help can make a big difference, click here for more information,