Students with disabilities

Disabled Students: Guidelines for Schools

Outlined below are the minimum requirements that Schools must satisfy to meet the requirements of disabled students, as legislated for under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA/SENDA). It applies to overseas or EU students as well as to British students, and to those who are only taking part of a course.

1. Disability Liaison Officer (DLO)

Each School is expected to have a DLO (see role description and other information in Workspace (requires additional login). The DLO will be the point of reference, advice and guidance for members of staff and students in the Schools about disability issues and support. The DLO should be a member of relevant School committees, such as a Learning and Teaching Committee, Staff Development Committee or equivalent.

2. Disability Action Plan (DAP)

Each School is expected to have a DAP which they review annually. The School DAP is a commitment by the School to put systems in place to meet the needs of students who have a disability, dyslexia or a long-term medical condition, as legislated for under the DDA. 

Contents of the DAP

As a minimum, DAPs should ensure that Schools have mechanisms to: 

• ensure School staff have a general level of awareness of the DDA and responsibilities within the School.
• respond to disabled students and alert Academic Support if reasonable adjustments and funding are required
• enable the Head of School (or a delegate), once informed that an individual in their School has specific needs, to respond to the information, identify the actions to be taken, implement a plan, and finally monitor and review the situation at regular intervals.
• ensure School learning, teaching and assessment policies are inclusive of disabled students.
• publicise disability support available both within the School and via Central Services such as Academic Support.
• ensure all material produced by the School can be easily transcribed into alternate formats on request.
• ensure School facilities and equipment meet DDA requirements.

The Disability Policy Advisory Unit website provides guidance for Schools in developing their DAPs in Workspace (requires additional login).

3. Monitoring of DAPs

It is the responsibility of Schools to ensure that their DAPs are accurate and up to date.  The University Quality Audit will periodically audit School adherence to Quality Manual requirements.

 

Teaching Timetable Arrangements for Students who have a Disability

Examination Arrangements for Students who have a Disability or Long-Term Medical Condition