Long Term Medical Conditions, Mobility and Physical Difficulties
A vast range of disabilities and conditions can result in mobility and physical difficulties, which may impact on your access to learning. Some of the most common ongoing or permanent conditions result from muscular and skeletal disabilities and from ongoing medical conditions which affect mobility. Some disabilities may be more ‘seen’ or evident than others.
The following information and examples are general and may be more relevant to individuals with some disabilities and conditions than to others. The lists are not exhaustive.
We can provide you with support via Reasonable Adjustment Plans, accessing the Disabled Students’ Allowance and helping you locate and use accessible technology that we have at the University. If you have any long-term medical conditions or mobility and/or physical difficulties, contact Disability and Learner Support to arrange an appointment with a Disability Adviser.
Email: disability@salford.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)161 295 0023 (option 1, option 2)
Registration form: Register with us
Some examples of disabilities and conditions that can have an impact on mobility, fatigue and pain levels are :
- Back and neck problems
- Accidents or injury leading to long term disability
- Arthritis and any other condition affecting the joints
- Amputation
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Partial or total paralysis
- Cerebral palsy
- Head injury
Some examples of disabilities and conditions that can have an impact on coordination, dexterity, strength, speed and stamina are:
- Respiratory and cardiac diseases
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- AIDS
The difficulties listed below vary greatly from person to person, even if they have the same condition or disability. The effects can also vary from day to day.
Some of the difficulties you may face in university settings include:
- Getting to/from lectures, around campus and attendance
- Travel to/from lectures and between lectures if they are far apart/have only a short time between each lecture
- Periodic/regular difficulties related to a condition/disability which may affect attendance, punctuality or require you to leave early
- Requirement of regular hospital visits or treatment
- Physical obstacles or barriers at some University locations
- Stamina (due to disability/effects of medication/pain)
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Chronic weakness
- Memory difficulties
- Difficulties with studying for extended periods of time without rest/breaks/movement
- Poor concentration levels and speed of processing information
- Studying/lectures
- Postural difficulties and seating arrangements
- Amounts of time sitting/standing/writing
- Difficulties with note taking
- Poor concentration levels and speed of processing information
- Overall wellbeing
Both mobility and physical difficulties and regular or constant pain can impact on your overall sense of wellbeing. Some people may be affected at times by low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and motivational difficulties.