At Collarts, creativity and individuality go hand in hand. As we celebrate the International Day of People with Disability, we’re proud to reflect on the community we’ve fostered: one where diversity isn’t a slogan, but a lived experience shaped by the voices and needs of our students.
With 38% of Collarts students identifying as having a disability, our community far exceeds the national university average. This representation isn’t incidental; it’s the result of a learning environment built to recognise, empower, and adapt to every student. Because creativity thrives when people are supported to bring their full selves into the room.
When Equitable Learning and Accessibility Coordinator Cas Guerra begins a new class or meets a new cohort, she introduces herself with a simple acknowledgement:
“If you’re neurodivergent or have a disability — so am I.”
It’s an invitation, a reassurance and an affirmation that students are not navigating their educational pathway alone. Cas’ lived experience—spanning early challenges in schooling, discovery of her own autism and ADHD diagnoses, and years developing trauma-informed, neuro-affirming creative programs—deeply informs the way Collarts structures learning support.
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all accommodations or symbolic gestures, Collarts focuses on what truly matters: meaningful, personalised support that removes barriers to learning and encourages students to thrive in their own way.
The 2024 QILT Student Experience Survey highlighted what our community already knows: Collarts is a leader in creating a supportive learning environment, particularly within creative arts education.
Scoring **86.5%—well above the national average of 71.2%—**Collarts’ student experience outcomes reflect our commitment to holistic services, from learning assistance to wellbeing and career development.
As Cas puts it, support at Collarts isn’t something students need to ask permission for—it’s embedded into the fabric of how we teach, connect, and collaborate.
“We never dismiss the challenges students bring forward. Instead, we adapt how we teach so students never feel like they need to change who they are to belong.”
Cas’ journey from feeling misunderstood in traditional schooling to becoming a passionate advocate and educator has shaped a culture where students feel recognised, respected, and encouraged to take up space, exactly as they are.
Her presence signals to students: your identity is not an obstacle; it’s part of your strength as an artist, creator, or collaborator.
Whether a student arrives with a high ATAR, no ATAR, a disability, or simply a desire to find community, Collarts welcomes them into an environment that values individuality and creative expression.
On the International Day of People with Disability, and every day, we celebrate the courage, creativity and contributions of our students.
We also reaffirm our responsibility: to keep building spaces that uplift diverse voices, remove barriers, and ensure that every student feels empowered to succeed on their own terms.
To learn more about the support services available to Collarts students, visit our Equitable Learning & Accessibility page.