An individual student’s chance of successfully completing their VET studies may be improved if they get additional support (Montague & Hopkins 2002). However, this may call for disclosure of their disability, and some choose not to disclose. There are a number of reasons for non-disclosure including fear of stigma or discrimination, wanting to prove they can succeed without help, and concerns about confidentiality (McLean & Andrews 1999).

Research by Miller & Nguyen (2008) explored staff perspectives on how TAFE institutes in Australia are supporting students with mental illnesses. TAFE staff face common problems across all levels of TAFE and across jurisdictions. One of their most significant issues is responding to the needs of students who do not disclose their mental illness. The main impact for students if they choose not to disclose their mental illness, is that they cannot access disability support services. For teachers, some confusion about the boundaries of their roles (teaching versus counselling) exists and they have difficulties in balancing confidentiality and seeking additional support for their students.