Disability Inclusion Service
Our Disability and Inclusion Service works with you to ensure you have fair and equal access to your education. Sometimes there are factors that mean you need adjustments put in place, which is why we have inclusive and accessible teaching in place for all students. Our Disability Inclusion Service can create a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP) for you if you need additional adjustments.
If you experience a disability, long-term condition or a specific learning difficulty, then you may be entitled to appropriate academic support in your teaching and assessments. This can include extra time for assessments, extended book loans from the Library and support for field trips.
Receiving support
If you are a current student, you will first need to fill out a registration form and submit medical evidence. We will then contact you to arrange your support.
If you are a prospective student, we encourage you to register as early as possible to get your support sorted before you begin your course. Please fill out the prospective student registration form and we will be in touch.
Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs)
RAPs identify barriers that your course may present and outline adjustments to support your learning such as to your learning environment and assessments.
Funding for Support
You may be able to apply for funding if you require disability-related support. It’s a non-means-tested and non-repayable source of funding to help meet extra costs of studying.
Support for specific disabilities and conditions
Your support needs will vary depending on your individual situation. We’ve got support in place for various disabilities as a guide for what help you may need.
Academic support is available for students with disabilities and conditions. We may be able to offer support for temporary injuries too.
- Autism Spectrum conditions
- Specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD
- Mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression and bipolar affective disorder
- Hearing impairments
- Visual impairments
- Long term medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, cancer and HIV
- Mobility difficulties
- Physical disabilities including M.S., cystic fibrosis, hypermobility syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome
Inclusive and accessible teaching
Our University has inclusive and accessible teaching for all students to remove barriers to learning and enhance your university experience. This practice includes guidance around note-making, recordings, in-class activity, reading lists, glossaries, scheduling, assessment and more.
We also have range of assistive software that you can use, including accessibility and productivity tools, reading and writing software and display enhancement software. Current students can view this information on the Student Hub.
Read our Inclusive Support Statement for full details about the inclusive practices in place to support you.
Educational Psychologist Assessments
Educational Psychologists can identify if you have Specific Learning Difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia. The assessment lasts between two and three hours, and can take place remotely or face-to-face depending on your preference. Assessments are carried out in partnership with the Educational Guidance Service and can be arranged through the Disability Inclusion Service.
Costs are mainly covered by the University – if you are a current student who is not in the final semester of their final year, we just ask for a contribution of £50 toward the cost.
It’s not about ‘passing’ or ‘failing’, so don’t worry. It’s just about helping you understand your strengths and any challenges you might have while learning and helps us provide you with the most relevant support. The assessment includes:
- Cognitive tests: These allow the psychologist to consider your strengths and weaknesses. This may highlight why some styles of study are better for you.
- A literacy assessment to look at reading, writing and spelling to formulate an understanding of your achievements in these areas.
The Educational Psychologist will produce a report from the outcomes of the assessment. This will be shared with you and the Disability Inclusion Service (DIS). DIS will then reach out to offer additional learning support available to you. You can explore reasonable adjustments for your classes, exams and/or coursework, and apply for DSA or external funding where applicable.
Health and safety support
Sometimes you may need additional help when you are studying or on campus. We've outlined how we can help with emergency evacuation plans, other emergency situations and risk assessments.