Will My Disability Prevent Me from Going to University

Will my disability prevent me from going to university?

Advice for Disabled Students

With more than 63,000 disabled students enrolled on UK undergraduate courses, it’s obvious that many people are overcoming all sorts of personal challenges to achieve their ambitions. With careful planning and preparation, higher education is a realistic option for many disabled students.

Experience shows that disabled students who adapt most successfully to university life are those who have looked in depth at how their disability might affect their studies and the support they will need. The range of disabilities for which support can be provided includes: mobility and sensory impairments, mental health difficulties, dyslexia and medical conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy.

Specialist support available:

Types of support vary from university to university. Support provided may be through the provision of specialist equipment such as screen readers and computer software or personal support. This may include: note-taking, reading on to tape, assisting with laboratory experiments, helping to access books in the library or personal care. University buildings are accessible and have adapted accommodation for wheelchair users.

To secure funding from Student Finance England for specialist support, you will need to carry out an ‘assessment of need’ This is not a physical assessment but will establish what technology or personal support you will require. The assessment recommendations are forwarded to the university and a range of services will be offered to you. Please find further details on www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance .

What to do next  Seek early discussions of your needs with the chosen university (ies)  Obtain university disability literature from university websites and admissions services  Visit the university – special campus tours can often be arranged  Arrange an interview with the Disability Adviser if you think you may require special arrangements  Recognise and agree any special requirements, eg wheelchair accessible accommodation, provision of screen readers.  Explain clearly on your UCAS application any extenuating circumstances  Seek Disabled Student’s Allowance by contacting your Student Finance England  Plan the transition period into higher education carefully

Useful websites  Skill, the National Bureau for students with Disabilities, has information on the types of support available. See www.skill.org.uk  DfES student support website has information on Disabled Students’ Allowance and local authority contact details. Visit www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport  DirectGov ; Indepth advice on financial help for disabled students and how to apply for it through Student Finance England.