Disability
Everyone experiences disability differently. Here at Salford, we aim to be a place that provides fair and equal access to work and study.
On this page, you'll find information about the support available to you, as well as advice on topics including funding, reasonable adjustments you may be entitled to and more.
Under the 2010 Equality Act, someone has a disability if they have a condition which affects them physically or mentally and has a substantial impact on their ability to carry out daily activities. It's estimated that one in five people live with a disability in the UK. This can include, but is not limited to:
- Physical impairments
- Mental health conditions
- Visual impairments
- D/deafness and hearing loss
- Learning difficulties
- Chronic illnesses
- Neurodivergent minds including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and more
There are lots of different types of disability and it’s important to remember that no two people will have the same experiences, even if they have the same disability. Having a disability is a unique experience and there are several different ways in which a disability might impact on someone’s lived experience. Below, you'll find support available to you, both from the University and local organisations, that can help you succeed in your studies, work, and personal life.
Disability support
Browse the topics below to find out about the support that is available from the University, as well as external organisations, to ensure you have fair and equal access to work and study.
How we can help you
Support for students
Disability Inclusion Service
University life can be exciting, but we understand that there may be times when you need extra support or guidance. If you experience a disability, our Disability Inclusion Service are here to support you. Complete our registration form and submit your medical evidence on our website. The team will then contact you to arrange support, which could include:
- Making a Reasonable Adjustment Plan to improve your academic experience.
- Accessing funding to help meet the extra costs of studying that you may experience.
- Assessments for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), such as dyslexia.
Making connections
Starting university can be daunting, especially as a disabled student, but we’re here to ensure that you have an exciting university experience. We have a range of opportunities, resources, and services to help you make new connections and discover yourself during your time at Salford.
- Join the Disability Society or create a new society.
- Join the online Health and Society Neurodiverse Student Collective to share your experiences and receive support.
- Check our What's On blog to see events happening around and on campus.
Learn more about making connections.
Library support
Our library offers a variety of resources and services to help you academically thrive at Salford and beyond. These include, but not limited to:
- A book collection service through Click and Collect for all library users.
- Extended loans to suit your needs.
- A book sharing service for those unable to access printed copies.
You can discover what inclusive services the library offers.
Support for staff members
We want to ensure that your time at Salford is filled with joy and support from our colleagues. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture that gives everyone a chance to thrive, a culture where developing understanding and awareness around disabilities is everyone’s responsibility. Visit the Staff Hub below to find out how we can support you with your disability and create an accessible and inclusive environment for everyone.
External help and support
- Information for local residents covering topics like housing, money, work, transport (Salford City Council)
- Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) (GOV.UK)
Access Salford
Access Salford is a colleague network for disabled colleagues. It’s a safe space where members regularly meet in-person and online to share their experiences and discuss how we can make Salford more inclusive for disabled individuals on campus. The network is open to disabled colleagues, careers, and allies who are passionate about promoting a positive culture of inclusion. If you’re a member of staff interested in joining, please get in touch by emailing accessaalford@salford.ac.uk.
We asked members of Access Salford what Disability Pride meant to them. Here’s what they said:
“For me, disability pride means truly embracing your life as a disabled person and all the beauty and struggle this entails.”
“Disability Pride means ownership; not having to hide, overcompensate or apologise and a healthier mind and mood because of this freedom.”
“I would want people to understand that, we’re still very much fighting for equity socially, politically, and financially. Unless we actively work towards accessibility and inclusion as a society, disabled people will continue to feel like second-class citizens.”
“I want people to have a greater understanding of the challenges' people face and how challenges seep into every aspect of an individual’s life. I think this helps us to see the disabled community in a much more positive light.”
