Support for Higher Education students with disabilities

Our HE Disability Officer will be able to provide you with advice and support about studying with us if you have a diagnosed disability, long term physical or mental health condition, specific learning difference or neurodiverse condition. We offer confidential guidance relating to your individual needs and can discuss with you any additional support and reasonable adjustments you may require to help you during your studies.

• Advice regarding the support options available to you during your studies on programme including Disabled Students’ Allowance
• Liaison with your academic department
• Arranging for learning materials to be produced in alternative formats
• Orientation before or at the very start of term for those with visual impairment or mobility difficulties
• Support with personal emergency evacuation plans
• Examination and assessment adjustments

What do we mean by Disability?

The definition of disability is broad; if you have a learning difference, physical, mental or sensory impairment that has a substantial impact on your daily activities then you may be eligible for support with your studies.

Some examples of disability are listed below:

• Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia
• Neurodiverse conditions, such as an autism spectrum condition or ADHD
• Mental health condition, such as anxiety or PTSD
• Long term medical condition, such as diabetes, Crohn’s disease
• Mobility issues
• Hearing impairment
• Visual impairment

As a Higher Education student living in England, you may be eligible to apply for additional funding via the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) from Student Finance England. This allowance can give you access to specialist support such as one to one study skills tuition, mentoring, interpreter support, ergonomic equipment, travel allowance, assistive technology and other disability related costs.

You can apply for DSA via your Student Finance account or you can download an application form from the website: Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability: How to apply - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You must meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 and have medical proof or a diagnostic report to be eligible to apply.

The funding body will pay for a needs assessment to decide what support you need at university. You are strongly advised to apply as soon as possible before you start your course, but you can apply at any time during your studies.

Personal Care Support

The University or DSA do not provide or fund support for any non-academic, disability-related support requirements you may have, e.g. assistance with shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry or personal care. Funding for care support is via your own Social Services. If you need this type of support you will need to liaise with your existing Social Services department to put support in place. This can take time and early contact with them around your needs is essential.

International and EU students with a disability

You are unable to access DSA support from Student Finance England if you are an EU or International student. If you have a disability please contact our HE Disability Officer to discuss your individual needs.