Disability FAQs
What happens once a disability or specific learning difficulty
has been disclosed?
If a student discloses a disability, specific learning
difficulty (SpLD) or mental health condition at the admissions
stage, they will be invited to discuss their requirements
with the Disability Officer and other relevant staff
prior to enrolling on the degree programme.
Once a disabled student has registered on their
programme, they should make an appointment with the Disability
Officer. The appointment will include a confidential discussion and
assessment of their needs and a Student
Support Agreement (SSA) will be drawn up. This confirms any
reasonable adjustments/accommodations
that need to be put in place.
With the student's agreement, the SSA is sent
to staff: Faculty Registry will use the information from
the SSA to ensure that any special adjustments are in place for
tests and end of semester examinations. The SSA is sent to
other relevant staff, such as the student's:
- Lecturers: They will be notified of a
student's needs/adjustments required.
- Academic Advisor (where relevant): An Academic
Advisor is available to advise a student on matters
relating to their studies and will refer to the information on the
SSA if it is relevant to any discussions the student has with them.
For students in BAM faculty - the Head of Student Support will also
be notified.
- Careers and Business Relations Department
(where relevant): The CBR Department can use the information from
the SSA when helping a student compile their CV and apply
for jobs.
- International Programmes Office (where
relevant):The International Programmes Office will use the
information provided when helping a student choose their
study centre abroad.
If a student does not wish the information to be distributed to
any of the above departments, they should inform the
Disability Officer when completing the SSA. Please note that each
of these departments will handle all information relating to a
student's disability in a confidential manner.
What students should do if they develop a disability
or suspect that they may be suffering from a SpLD or
long-term health problems during their studies
If a student develops a disability, or suspect
that they may have a SpLD or long-term health
problems that may affect their studies, they should
contact the Disability Officer immediately for a confidential
discussion. The Disability Officer provides a screening
service for any student who suspects that they might have
a SpLD, such as dyslexia.
Why is documentation required?
If a student has a SpLD, such as dyslexia,
they should provide detailed written evidence of this from a
suitably qualified professional (e.g. an educational psychologist).
The report will need to clearly state the diagnosis of the SpLD and
how it may affect the student's academic studying, giving
recommendations. The report should have been completed
when the student was 16 years or older. The report should be
in English, or an English translation provided. If a report does
not give sufficient information the student will be asked to
provide additional supporting documentation.
If a student has a report that was written before they were aged
16, they will be asked to provide an update that confirms
their needs now that they are in higher education. An update could
be from their original assessor (or other suitably qualified
professional) and could confirm that the report's
recommendations are still valid. Once the student has provided
the report, this enables the Disability Officer to assess their
needs appropriately and to agree to any necessary adjustments.
If a student requires special examination arrangements
(such as the use of a computer or extra time) the report will need
to specifically recommend these.
If a student has a long-term health condition or
mental health condition that may affect their studies they
will also be required to provide up-to-date written evidence of
this, such as a doctor's letter. The letter should clearly
state any diagnosis and how it may affect academic
studying.
What if a student needs to have ground floor residential
accommodation?
If a student has any special requirements about residential
accommodation due to a disability it is essential to
contact the Accommodation
Officer prior to arrival, and as soon as possible. An
up-to-date supporting doctor's letter is usually required
if a student wishes to be placed on the priority waiting list for
on-site accommodation.
What if I need to have classes in ground floor/lift accessible
rooms?
If a student has a condition that affects their mobility, making
climbing stairs difficult, they are asked to notify Registry and
the Disability Officer as soon as possible, so that
appropriate rooms can be booked. Most classrooms are
accessible by lift, but not all.
I'm worried that my long-term health condition may affect class
attendance. What should I do?
The student should inform the Disability Officer as early as
possible and provide an up-to-date doctor's letter that
confirms any diagnosis and makes it clear that class attendance may
be affected at times. All students must follow
class non-attendance reporting procedures.
What parking facilities are there at the College for Blue Badge
holders?
The College has 2 designated disabled
parking bays.
I have dyslexia and want to learn a foreign language. What
should I expect in my first semester?
Learning a language can be both a rewarding,
and challenging, experience. A total of 72 hours language teaching
is delivered during the first semester: six hours of classes
each week. In addition, students are expected to undertake a
minimum of two hours self-directed study weekly. It is very
important that students attend College during induction week, as
four days of intensive language teaching is given.
After week 3 students take in-class tests
every two weeks. These tests contribute towards the final marks for
the assessment. At the end of the semester final examinations are
taken: speaking, listening, writing and reading.
Page last updated 3/7/2012