Students with dyslexia or a disability. Higher education
Will I be able to get support at university or college if I have a disability or dyslexia?
Yes, colleges and universities are aware of the needs of students with disabilities and dyslexia and will be able to offer support.
What support is available to disabled students?
Many colleges and universities employ a specialist disability adviser to ensure students have full access to all services. Additional support may be available to help you study including:
- Electronic study aids and software.
- Flexible teaching and assessment methods.
- Provision of accessible course material.
- Individual support such as study skills support or mentoring.
Further information about the support your intended college or university might provide can usually be found on their websites or will be available at their open days.
Which types of disbilities will universities and colleges offer support with?
The range of disabilities which colleges and universities support includes:
- Sensory impairments (visual and hearing).
- Physical disabilities.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, ME/chronic fatigue, and epilepsy.
- Long term health conditions such as cancer, MS, and HIV.
- Mental health issues such as depression, bi-polar disorder, OCD, eating disorders, anxiety and self harming.
- Specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and AD(H)D.
- Autistic spectrum conditions such as Asperger syndrome.
How do I access this support?
In order to access support you will need to disclose your disability or dyslexia to your university or college. They have a legal obligation to make sure you are supported. If you want the information you provide can be kept confidential within the disability support office. You can declare a disability on the UCAS form or directly to the college’s or university’s disability support office. This can be done either once you have applied or once you have enrolled. If your university or college doesn't know about your disability they can’t support you so it's important to disclose to your university or college so they can contact you and send you information on the support available.
Disability support services at local universities:
Further information:
Support for students with a mental health issue
Support for students with an autistic spectrum condition such as Asperger syndrome
Is there any funding available for the extra support I need?
Alongside college and university support the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is also available to students to cover any extra costs involved in attending a higher education course because of a disability, dyslexia or medical condition.
Can I call or email someone to get advice about the support I might need?
Yes, contact the skill helpline for advice on the help and support available to students with a disability.
Telephone: 0800 328 5050
Tuesday 11.30am-1.30pm
Thursday 1.30pm-3.30pm
Email: skill4disabledstudents@disabilityalliance.org
Students with a disability talk about their experiences of university and college
Assel from Connexions Leicester Shire on Vimeo.
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