Overview
We are committed to providing all students with the support and tools they need to succeed. The Equality Act (2010) defines a disability as a long-term condition that has a substantial impact on daily activities. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia)
- ADHD
- Sensory impairments
- Mobility difficulties
- Mental health conditions
- Autism spectrum conditions
- Long-term health issues (e.g. diabetes, arthritis, cancer, Crohn’s disease)
We know that each person’s disability can affect them in different ways, so the support we offer is flexible and tailored to individuals. We encourage all students with disabilities to contact us so that we can discuss meeting your individual needs. You can do this before you apply, during the application process or at any point throughout your studies.
The National Association of Disability Practitioners has created a ‘School vs University – a glossary and explainer’. This document may be useful to the UK students who are transferring from school or college to higher education and seeking to understand more about the support they can access.
Support available
The Disability Support Team will be able to provide assistance with the following:
- Creating an Additional Support Plan (ASP) for disabled students, which reflect their reasonable adjustments, and adaptations to teaching, learning, and assessment arrangements as well as strategies for self-management of any learning needs.
- Advising teaching staff on reasonable adjustments and how to support students in their studies
- Advising students on applying for funding through Disabled Students Allowances and other funding streams.
- Supporting with mitigating circumstances in cases where students have long term fluctuating conditions
- Liaising with other teams within the University, such as Academic Support and Enhancement, Lecturers, Finance, and Academic Registry
- Helping students in finding the right support for wellbeing, finance, and study needs
Book in a call
Lydia Williams
Disability Advisor
Eliza Smith
Disability Advisor
Lintilla Hampton
Senior disability advisor
Autism and Uni Toolkit
Autism&Uni helps people on the autism spectrum to gain access to Higher Education and to navigate the transition successfully.
The Toolkit gives students information and strategies for overcoming the challenges they typically encounter during the transition to university. Whilst it is targeted at people on the autism spectrum many of the resources may be useful for anyone looking to prepare for university life.
Access Autism&Uni for information on University life, navigating the VLE, how to arrange reasonable adjustments, and the support that the Disability Service can offer.
Following the results of my learning ability assessment, It was found I have a specific issue with cognitive processing and memory. I’ve always struggled with my reading in terms of speed which, when starting UCEM, really impacted the time it was taking me to get through my study resources in a reasonable timeframe. With my new support plan, I can now get access to one-to-one support with a learning tutor to assist with improving my current learning practices. I’ve also received access to learning support technologies such as Grammarly and ClaroRead, to assist with assignment writing, and additional / extended time frames for deadlines which has taken a lot of pressure off me and gives me the additional time I need to get through the learning resources and ensure I submit assignments on time without being penalised for late submissions due to issue beyond my control. The process was dealt with super quick, was easy to do and I’m very grateful to have access to my new support plan.”
BSc Building Surveying
FAQS
To access specialist disability support and reasonable adjustments you will need to be registered with the Disability Support Team. These will need to be agreed as part of an additional support plan and will not automatically be put in place. Our data shows that disabled students who are actively engaged with the Disability Support Team achieve better degree outcomes than those that are not.
We recommend sharing your disability information when you complete an application form. This way the team can get a support plan in place ready for when you begin studying. Alternatively, you can contact the team at any time during your studies via email.
Reasonable adjustments are agreed as part of an additional support plan. This will be put in place by your Disability Advisor and be based on the supporting documentation you provide and discussion with you. Examples of common reasonable adjustments include: extra time in assessments, extensions to coursework deadlines, adjustments to oral assessments.
If you haven’t got access to supporting documentation this may limit the amount of additional support available. However, the team will work with you to help you obtain the required evidence, for example through screenings and financial support towards the cost of an assessment.
Reasonable adjustments will not be carried over from school or your previous university or college. To access support and reasonable adjustments at UCEM you will need to agree these as part of a UCEM support plan. Where possible we will try to mirror previous support, however this cannot be guaranteed.
Disabled Students Allowances (DSA) is a government grant that can help to pay towards the cost of specialist software, equipment, and support. It is available to UK based students and we recommend that anyone who is eligible apply. For more information please visit the UCAS website or contact your Disability Advisor
Apprentices and students outside the UK are unable to apply DSA. UCEM can access alternative funding streams to ensure that students who are ineligible for DSA can still access specialist software, equipment, and support. To find out more about potential funding streams please email.
Anything discussed with the Disability Support Team will not be shared without your prior consent unless there are genuine safeguarding concerns. Upon signing an additional support plan this information will be available to staff on a need-to-know basis to ensure the adjustments can be made and support provided.
I am immensely grateful for the SpLD assessment and support plan funded by UCEM. This assessment has been a crucial step in understanding myself better and has allowed me to start the journey towards self-forgiveness and setting healthier boundaries with myself. It has helped me address the shame that often accompanies my perfectionism. The support I receive, including tailored technology tools and 1:1 assistance, has started to enhanced both my educational and professional life. The university's investment in students like me makes a profound difference, and I am thankful for their support.”
MSc Real Estate