Disability

A disability can be either a physical or mental condition.

Physical conditions include those affecting the senses such as sight or hearing and those affecting mobility.

Mental conditions include mental illness and specific learning disabilities like dyslexia.

Some impairments such as epilepsy are hidden.

Disability should not be a barrier to entering higher education and there are now many more disabled students in higher education than in the past.

This is because colleges and universities are getting better at supporting their disabled students and actively encouraging them into higher education.

There are many challenges that a disabled student has to face but with the proper support in place, you can have just as much success and fun as any other student in higher education.

What support is available?

Universities and colleges are able to provide the right type of support to all their current and prospective students in order to give everyone a fair chance.

The type of support you are given will be tailored to suit your needs and can include

• a meeting before you begin to agree the support required for your study programme

• flexible teaching and assessment methods

• production of resources in different formats such as Braille and audio tape

• provision of specialist equipment such as computer hardware and software, audio facilities, laptop computers and electronic study aids

• a reader and note-taker in lectures and exams

• personal assistance

• an individual learning support plan

• transport support from your local authority

Although you do not have to, it is a good idea to declare your disability when filling out your UCAS application form.

Declaring your disability will not affect your application in any way but will enable the university or college to prepare for your arrival so that the right support is in place for you further down the line.

What is a Disability Advisor?

All universities provide support for students with disabilities and employ specialist disability advisers to ensure students have full access to all services.

Disability Advisors play an essential part in supporting students as they have an understanding of the course and the institutional environment.

Advisers may also be able to help you apply for Disabled Students' Allowance.

Disability Advisers are happy to talk to you before you apply for courses and can usually arrange visits and give useful information on what facilities are available.

It is a good idea to contact the colleges or universities that you are interested in to find out what support they are able to offer you.

You can find the contact details for the Disability Advisor at each South West college and university on the Skill website.

Financial Support for Disabled Students

If you have a disability you are entitled to claim extra financial help as a student.

This is paid on top of any standard student finance you may receive from the government.

You can apply for these extra grants and allowances when you fill in the main application for student support.

Go to our Disability and special needs student finance page for more information.

More information

You can find lots of information and help on the following websites

Skill National Bureau for Students with Disabilities

Direct Gov Disability Pages

BBC Ouch!

Pluss website (Pluss provides high quality employment, training and equipment for disabled people in South West England)

Resources

From Aimhigher West Area

Aimhigher West Midlands guide for disabled learners interested in higher education

Aimhigher West Area Disability Map The Road to Higher Education

Aimhigher West Area Guide to Disabled Student Allowance